Program Manager Journeyman

We are seeking a Program Manager – Journeyman to support critical Air Force acquisition initiatives that strengthen operational capabilities and mission readiness. This role works directly with program leadership to support acquisition planning, program execution, risk management, budgeting, and overall program health.

Why Work with Us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions, delivering premier talent and technology to support critical customer missions.

Recognized as a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS understands that our employees are the foundation of our success. We prioritize our people by providing opportunities for professional growth, meaningful mission work, and a healthy work/life balance.

Our employees benefit from a competitive benefits package, awards and recognition programs, and personalized attention from ARS senior leadership. At ARS, you'll be part of a team where your contributions matter.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Support acquisition and development efforts focused on reducing cost and schedule.

• Provide acquisition and program management support to Air Force program offices.

• Monitor overall program health and advise leadership on cost, schedule, performance, and execution challenges.

• Develop and support program status briefings, schedules, and acquisition updates for senior leadership.

• Provide program management input for Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including system specifications, System Requirements Documents (SRDs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs).

• Review acquisition documents for accuracy, consistency, and programmatic alignment. Documents may include Acquisition Decision Memorandums (ADMs), Life Cycle Sustainment Plans (LCSPs), Acquisition Strategies, Acquisition Program Baselines (APBs), Risk Management Plans, and Program Management Reviews (PMRs).

• Prepare and support acquisition reports and milestone documentation in accordance with DoDI 5000.02 and applicable regulations.

• Apply DoD and Air Force acquisition policies, including DoDD 5000.1, DoDI 5000.02, NSSAP 03-02, and applicable AFMC and AFLCMC guidance.

• Identify acquisition policy gaps, interpret guidance, and recommend solutions to support program execution.

• Support the development and evaluation of acquisition strategies, including technical approaches, requirements, risk assessments, market research, deliverables, and cost, schedule, and performance considerations.

• Support Urgent Capability Acquisitions and Middle Tier of Acquisition efforts in accordance with DoDI 5000.80 and DoDI 5000.81.

• Coordinate with program scheduling personnel to support integrated program schedules and execution.

• Develop and maintain program risk management plans in accordance with DoD and Air Force guidance. Facilitate risk identification, analysis, mitigation, and monitoring activities.

• Support risk management boards and working groups, document meeting outcomes, and evaluate contractor and subcontractor risk management processes.

• Prepare and maintain acquisition reports, including Monthly Activity Reports (MARs), Source Approval Requests (SARs), Defense Acquisition Executive Summaries (DAES), and Acquisition Program Baselines (APBs).

• Support acquisition reporting requirements for ACAT I, II, and III programs in accordance with DoDI 5000.02, AFI 63-101/20-101, and AFPAM 63-128.

• Use required program and financial management systems, including Microsoft Office, IDECS, EDA, CCaR, and other DoD/OSD-mandated applications.

• Prepare and submit funding documentation, including Purchase Requests, Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPRs), and Purchase Orders.

• Interpret and coordinate acquisition project assignments, identify execution challenges, and recommend solutions to the Government Program Manager.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

During your first three months, you'll become familiar with the program office, its acquisition priorities, and the Air Force mission you're supporting.

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  First 30 Days: Learn the program structure, acquisition strategy, key stakeholders, current contracts, reporting requirements, and program priorities.

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  Days 31–60: Begin supporting acquisition documentation, program status reporting, funding activities, scheduling coordination, and risk management efforts.

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  Days 61–90: Independently manage assigned program support activities, identify potential execution challenges, and provide recommendations to program leadership.

You'll be a trusted member of the program team who can independently support acquisition activities and help keep program objectives on track.

• Independently managing assigned acquisition and program management responsibilities.

• Producing accurate, timely acquisition reports, briefings, and program documentation.

• Helping leadership identify and address cost, schedule, performance, and execution risks.

• Maintaining effective coordination across program office personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders.

• Supporting funding requirements, acquisition strategies, and contract execution activities.

• Providing practical recommendations that improve program visibility, decision-making, and overall execution.

• Demonstrating a strong working knowledge of Air Force and DoD acquisition policies and processes.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

• 10 years of program support experience, including at least 3 years supporting DoD programs.

• Active Secret Security Clearance.

• Bachelor's degree preferred.

• Comprehensive knowledge of DoD systems acquisition and program management principles, policies, and practices, including DoDI 5000.02 and DoDI 5000.75.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

The expected annual salary range: $120k - $150k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.