Project Manager

Job Description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Project Manager to work at a customer site in Patuxent River, MD .

Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.

Everforth ECS is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Project Manager on a complex defense AI/ML program at Patuxent River, MD. This role is best suited for someone who has operated in the fields of military aviation, ISR mission execution, and technology development. The candidate should possess an understanding of how systems are developed before they reach warfighters.

This role is ideal for a technically curious and solution-oriented project manager who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys engaging with cutting-edge technologies and diverse stakeholders. The Project Manager will manage a project from Initial Operating Capability (IOC) through Final Operational Capability (FOC) and assist the customer with transition of the capability to a Program of Record for the U.S. Marine Corps. An operational background will be a direct asset as this experience will bridge the gap between what developers build, what operators use, and end-users of the capability need.

The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders across the Navy, Marine Corps, commercial vendors, and traditional federal contractors to shape and execute technical priorities and drive program execution. The Project Manager will translate operational requirements into technical priorities, hold integration timelines accountable, and ensure the capability being built reflects how real-world missions are executed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Prime Integrator Project Manager, managing platform and algorithm providers for an AI-enabled Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) defense program.
• Work closely with technical teams and stakeholders to define, track, and drive project priorities, risks, and timelines.
• Coordinate with DoW customers, integrators, cloud engineers, AI/ML specialists, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of goals and deliverables.
• Support cloud modernization and deployment efforts, including onboarding workflows, tenant architecture, and solution adoption planning.
• Facilitate regular customer engagement sessions, provide clear project updates, and proactively manage risks and blockers.
• Develop and maintain documentation related to planning, status reporting, and technical delivery milestones.
• Coordinate and integrate deliverables across multiple prime contractors and government stakeholders operating under separate contract vehicles; serve as the primary integration authority on behalf of the government customer.
• Oversee data collection operations, including data configuration, test priorities, emitter signatures, and sensor modality requirements across multiple DoW units and operational environments.
• Coordinate data collection operations, labeling workflows, model evaluation, performance reporting, and data governance activities supporting AI/ML development and operational transition.
• Support requirements refinement, capability gap documentation, technical milestone tracking, and transition planning from prototype capability to Program of Record.

Salary Range: $140,000-168,000

General Description of Benefits

Required Skills

• Bachelor's Degree or higher
• Active TS with the ability to obtain SCI Clearance
• 5+ years of leadership experience in defense operational, program, or R&D environments. Military service, program office experience, or equivalent contractor background are taken into consideration.
• 5+ years of Group 5 UAS experience (MQ-9 preferred)
• Operational experience with Group 5 UAS platforms in a military or DoW context, including mission planning, execution, and post-mission analysis.
• Familiarity with Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), and Radio Frequency (RF) data modalities
• An understanding of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) DevSecOps processes
• Proven experience managing cross-functional teams across technical and operational domains
• Ability to balance long-term strategic planning with rapid delivery of near-term priorities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially in translating complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders
• Demonstrated success in high-velocity, high-ambiguity environments with shifting priorities
• Experience working in or supporting DoW or Navy programs
• Experience coordinating airborne ISR payload integration, sensor data workflows, and/or AI/ML-enabled mission systems on UAS platforms
• Experience supporting RDT&E, developmental test, and flight test activities within a DoD program environment

Desired Skills

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Master's Degree in a STEM field or business/project management
• PMP certification or equivalent program management credential
• Experience with the MQ-9 Reaper or other Group 5 UAS platforms
• Hands-on experience with cloud services such as AWS GovCloud
• Understanding of secure cloud environments, impact levels (IL5/IL6), or classified cloud deployments
• Familiarity with DoW acquisition, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement processes
• Familiarity with DoW acquisition pathways, program of record transition processes, and Joint Capability Technology Demonstration or rapid prototyping program structures

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ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law.

Everforth ECS is the federal segment of Everforth , a $4B global organization with over 10,000 employees. Our nearly 3,500 professionals deliver advanced technology solutions in data and AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation, serving defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies.

Our work powers mission-critical outcomes, strengthens technology partnerships, and creates meaningful opportunities for our people. We are defined by a commitment to excellence in delivery, a culture of innovation, and an environment where talent can thrive and grow.

We value:

• Attracting and developing top talent and high-performing teams
• Fostering a culture that is engaging, accountable, and mission-driven

Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!