Program Manager (LNO)

About this role

About the role The Secretariat for Special Operations (SSO), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (OASW(SO/LIC)), supports oversight of Special Operations Forces (SOF) readiness, organization, resources, equipment, and civilian personnel. The PM Manager (LNO) joins SSO’s Capability Development and Innovation (CD&I) Global Strategic Partnerships Team and serves as an embedded liaison to the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)). This role connects SOF operational needs with emerging technologies and capability-development efforts, helping address critical mission gaps, improve interoperability, and accelerate the delivery of practical solutions to SOF end users. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of SOF operations, technical and acquisition processes, and stakeholder coordination. The PM Manager must be proactive, comfortable working across organizations, and able to identify opportunities while helping ensure fielded technologies remain supportable and mission-ready.

What you'll do Serve as the primary local liaison between the supported Special Operations Command and CD&I, while coordinating with Research and Engineering staff, government project leads, end users, and contractor teams. Engage SOF stakeholders to understand mission profiles and emerging operational challenges; identify capability shortfalls and develop or refine SOF-specific technical and operational requirements. Identify promising technologies and potential mitigation approaches that address operational gaps, support interoperability, and enable rapid capability development and fielding. Plan and coordinate technology demonstrations, technical assessments, operational evaluations, and senior-leader theater visits with relevant government and operational stakeholders. Work with designated government leads to manage schedules, track evaluation milestones, coordinate customer–contractor activities, and support contract-specific performance objectives. Use project-management discipline to identify risks, resolve coordination issues, and deliver timely situation reports and technical briefings through appropriate classified and unclassified channels. Evaluate the operational suitability and supportability of emerging or deployed technologies to help sustain mission effectiveness over time.

Qualifications At least 10 years of prior service or experience in national security and defense; military rank of E-7 or O-3 (or equivalent) is preferred. U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret (TS) security clearance, with the ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as communications, political science, business administration, criminal justice, or international relations. Strong technical understanding of SOF organizations and formations, systems, networks, operational mission profiles, and acquisition principles. Ability to travel up to 25%, including between Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., as well as within the National Capital Region and to forward operating hubs or domestic research and development facilities. Travel may involve technology demonstrations, operational-unit engagements, and prototype evaluations in austere environments.

Preferred Qualifications An advanced degree and/or professional military education, such as Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I or II. Experience with the Department of War Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process and joint interoperability frameworks, including CJADC2. Experience handling and managing technical data associated with Special Access Programs or Special Access Required (SAP/SAR) environments. Experience collaborating across the defense innovation ecosystem, including government, operational, research, and industry partners. Experience identifying, tracking, or evaluating emerging commercial and defense technologies, particularly uncrewed systems, artificial intelligence, edge computing, resilient communications, or electronic warfare.

This position is benefits-eligible. Our suite of benefits includes Health, Dental, Vision, 401k w/ match, Gym Membership discounts, Volunteer Paid Time Off, and a generous PTO package. We'd love to tell you more! Apply today!

We believe great talent comes from many backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, consistent with all applicable laws.