Project Manager - Test & Evaluation of Unmanned Maritime Systems ​/ Secret Clearance

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• Salary Range - $110,000 to 160,000
• Clearance - A successful candidate must have an active Secret clearance to be considered.
• Location - Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA (This is not a remote position)
• Benefits - Best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.

Project Manager – Test & Evaluation of Unmanned Maritime Systems

Position Description: DAWSON is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support the U.S. Navy’s Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) Test and Evaluation (T&E) program at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Port Hueneme.

This position supports the NAVFAC Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) in planning and executing shore-side, waterfront, and offshore activities associated with the Government’s evaluation of prototype unmanned submarine systems. The Project Manager will lead contractor efforts supporting vehicle preparation, test event coordination, logistics, and operational support for XLUUV testing.

The role requires close coordination with NAVFAC EXWC and In-Service Engineering Activity (ISEA) teams, and other Navy stakeholders, as well as oversight of technical personnel, vendors, and operational support services required to execute test events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage, and execute contract tasking supporting XLUUV test and evaluation activities.
• Develop and manage project schedules, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and project execution plans supporting T&E activities.
• Coordinate XLUUV vehicle preparation and operational readiness activities supporting test events at NBVC and surrounding test ranges.
• Coordinate with Government stakeholders to support test planning, execution, and operational readiness activities.
• Coordinate waterfront and maritime operations, including launch and recovery operations, crane lifts, rigging activities, and vessel support.
• Manage logistics and vendor coordination for test operations, including crane services, fabrication support, marine services, shipping, and equipment procurement.
• Oversee contractor personnel supporting maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support of XLUUV systems and associated equipment.
• Manage contractor personnel and vendors supporting waterfront and offshore test operations.
• Ensure compliance with NAVFAC safety standards, weight handling requirements, and waterfront operational procedures, including coordination with installation crane safety offices.
• Participate in and lead bi-weekly teleconferences, program reviews, and technical coordination meetings with Government leadership.
• Serve as the primary interface between the contractor team and Government stakeholders including NAVFAC EXWC, PMS 406, and ISEA organizations.
• Support development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational documentation based on lessons learned during test operations.
• Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with the…