Project Manager (IT & Software Development)

Description

Xcelerate Solutions seeks a Project Manager (PM) to be responsible for leading cross-functional, Agile software development teams in the successful delivery, modernization, and maintenance of secure enterprise software applications. Operating under established contract performance standards and service level agreements (SLAs), the PM will serve as the primary point of contact for project execution, ensuring all milestones are delivered on time, within scope, and in strict alignment with rigorous quality and security guidelines.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in managing the software development lifecycle (SDLC), utilizing Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban), and leading technical teams (including developers, business analysts, and testers).

This role requires a balance of strong leadership, meticulous project tracking, and exceptional stakeholder management skills to deliver high-performing web platforms in a secure enterprise environment. Come join our award-winning organization and work with some of the most talented and brightest minds in the GovCon industry.

Location: Remote

Key Responsibilities

In accordance with enterprise project management standards, the Project Manager will perform the following duties:

1. Project Planning, Execution, and Delivery

• Define project scope, goals, milestones, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and key stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain, and manage comprehensive project schedules, work breakdown structures (WBS), and resource allocation plans.
• Facilitate Agile ceremonies, including Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Planning, Backlog Grooming, and Sprint Retrospectives, acting as or supporting the Scrum Master role.
• Monitor project performance using metrics (e.g., velocity, burn-down charts, cumulative flow) to ensure predictable and continuous delivery of high-quality software.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between the technical development team, business partners, and client leadership.
• Provide clear, concise, and timely status reports, executive dashboards, and performance metrics highlighting progress, key achievements, and upcoming milestones.
• Manage client expectations and facilitate change management processes when project scope or requirements evolve.

3. Risk Management & Compliance

• Proactively identify, assess, track, and mitigate project risks, technical dependencies, and operational blockers.
• Ensure all deliverables comply with federal and enterprise compliance requirements, including Section 508 accessibility standards and operations security (OPSEC) policies.
• Collaborate with DevSecOps and security teams to ensure software development practices align with cybersecurity protocols and authorization mandates.

4. Team Leadership & Resource Management

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a cross-functional team of full-stack developers, business analysts, and QA engineers.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Manage resource constraints and resolve internal conflicts or technical bottlenecks to keep the project on schedule.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (equivalent professional experience may be considered).

• Experience:

• Minimum of 7+ years of professional project management experience, with at least 5+ years dedicated to managing complex software development projects (SDLC).

• Proven experience managing projects within a secure, federal, or defense-oriented IT ecosystem.

• Demonstrated success leading Agile/Scrum teams and managing product backlogs.

• Technical & Management Skills:

• Proficient with modern project management and Agile collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, Azure DevOps).

• Solid understanding of modern software architectures, including cloud environments, microservices, and DevSecOps pipelines.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

• Soft Skills:

• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a technical field.
• Experience transitioning legacy legacy systems to modern architectures (e.g., cloud migration, microservices).
• Familiarity with DevSecOps methodologies and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Deep understanding of Section 508 compliance and government security authorization processes (Risk Management Framework / RMF).

Certifications

Candidates should possess professional certifications to validate their project management and framework proficiency:

1. Project Management & Agile Certifications (Required/Highly Preferred)

• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute (PMI) (Required)
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) / Professional Scrum Master (PSM) (Highly Preferred)
• SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) or SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) (Highly Preferred)

2. Cybersecurity & Technical Baseline (Optional but Preferred)

• Active baseline certifications aligning with security requirements (e.g., CAPM, PMP, or CompTIA Security+ CE) to facilitate system access in secure environments.

Security & Clearance Requirements

Due to the secure nature of the enterprise environment and associated federal mandates:

• Work Status Allowable: U.S. citizenship
• Minimum Clearance to Start: Public Trust or Favorably Adjudicated Secret Clearance
• Compliance: Must strictly adhere to government cybersecurity policies, operations security (OPSEC) requirements, and system access regulations defined in the governing contract.

About Xcelerate Solutions:

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate's culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal's "50 Best Places to Work" list as well as being a "Great Place to Work" certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the top DC Metro employers!

Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate Solutions provides reasonable accommodation if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability.

Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.