Program Manager of Defense & National Security

This is a limited term appointment. Continuation of employment will be contingent upon the availability of funding.

This position will be located in Huntsville, AL

Auburn University’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Applied Research Institute (ARI) is seeking a highly qualified Program Manager, Defense & National Security to oversee and execute a portfolio of complex defense, national security, and research programs supporting U.S. Department of War (DoW) and other federal sponsors. This position is responsible for leading multidisciplinary projects from initiation through completion, ensuring technical, operational, schedule, cost, quality, and compliance objectives are achieved while meeting sponsor requirements and strategic organizational goals.

Working closely with technical directors, principal investigators, laboratory operations personnel, engineers, and external stakeholders, the Program Manager coordinates program activities that support advanced defense and national security research, testing, evaluation, and laboratory operations. The position provides leadership for project planning, resource management, risk mitigation, customer engagement, and program execution across highly technical environments, including radiation effects testing and other specialized research capabilities.

The Program Manager serves as the primary interface between sponsors, researchers, technical staff, and business operations to ensure successful project delivery, operational readiness, and continuous improvement of research and testing capabilities. This position also collaborates with business development and capture teams to identify growth opportunities, support proposal development, and expand strategic partnerships within the defense and national security sectors.

Key responsibilities include managing project schedules, budgets, contractual requirements, and deliverables; coordinating maintenance, modernization, and operational readiness activities for critical laboratory infrastructure and equipment; supporting installation and integration of new test capabilities; facilitating stakeholder communications; ensuring compliance with safety, security, regulatory, and sponsor requirements; and supporting workforce development through mentoring and training of engineers, technicians, and students.

The successful candidate will possess strong program management experience in defense, aerospace, research, testing, engineering, or national security environments, along with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex technical projects, and foster collaborative relationships with government sponsors, university leadership, industry partners, and research personnel. This position requires exceptional organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment supporting national security objectives.

• Serves as the primary execution lead for all assigned DoW contracts in the ARI National Security Portfolio.
• Manages program scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables in compliance with sponsor requirements.
• Tracks and reports program status using standardized Program Manager Office (PMO) controls which includes Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), schedules, risk registers, performance metrics.
• Conducts monthly internal reviews and prepare inputs for Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with sponsors.
• Manages subcontractors, partners, and vendors in alignment with contract obligations.
• Works closely with the Senior Technical and Lab Director and technical leads to ensure technical work is delivered to sponsor expectations.
• Supports the Director of National Security with Business Development and Capture to identify growth opportunities within the portfolio.
• Provides program execution inputs to proposals, including staffing plans, schedules, and past performance data.
• Maintains strong relationships with DoW, contracting officers, and technical sponsors.
• Ensures issues, risks, and changes are communicated promptly to both sponsors and internal leadership.
• Serves as the “face” of the ARI National Security program execution for assigned defense and federal accounts.
• Leads project staff assigned to programs within the portfolio. Provides direction, set priorities, and ensure accountability. Mentors junior staff and foster a culture of disciplined delivery and mission focus.

Must be a U.S. Citizen 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field
• 7 years of experience managing programs or projects in U.S. government contracting.

• Knowledge of program-management practices, including scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting.
• Strong communication and briefing skills with experience working directly with federal sponsors.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Competence in project controls tools (MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with government customers.
• Knowledge of program-management practices, including scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!