Nokomis, Inc. is a premier R&D company in innovative technology. We specialize in making the world’s most sensitive electromagnetic sensors and perform some of the most advanced R&D to solve complex problems for government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. Since 2002, Nokomis has executed over $100M in advanced government R&D efforts and currently employs nearly 60 staff across three offices and a dedicated testing site near Pittsburgh, PA.
We are seeking a Program Manager – Lead and grow Nokomis’ portfolio of counter-unmanned aircraft system programs. This role requires a technically capable program manager who can understand and engage with engineering challenges, contribute hands-on when needed, and drive execution across multiple concurrent contracts.
The Program Manager will be responsible not only for cost, schedule, and performance, but also for business development and customer relationship growth as an inherent part of the role. This position operates at the intersection of technical execution, customer engagement, and portfolio growth within a rapidly evolving mission area.
This is a direct hire, full-time salaried position (M–F, 40 hrs/week with occasional overtime). Daily on-site work is required at our Canonsburg, PA office. Due to government contract requirements, U.S. citizenship is mandatory. Occasional business-related travel is expected.
PRIMARY DUTIES
- Manage a portfolio of counter-UAS programs composed of multiple small to mid-sized government contracts
- Own and manage cost, schedule, and performance across all assigned CUAS contracts
- Maintain technical depth sufficient to understand engineering challenges, guide technical decision-making, and contribute directly to technical tasks when required
- Lead program execution activities including planning, staffing, risk management, execution tracking, and customer reporting
- Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned CUAS programs, building trust and long-term relationships
- Drive business development activities as an inherent part of the role, including opportunity identification, customer engagement, and capture support, in coordination with the BD team
- Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including system integrators and companies delivering comprehensive counter-UAS solutions
- Coordinate and support proposal development, technical inputs, program plans, and cost estimates related to CUAS opportunities
- Manage personnel assigned to CUAS programs within a matrixed organization, coordinating across engineering disciplines and functional leadership
- Ensure program activities align with contract requirements, security constraints, and government expectations
- Identify risks and issues across technical, schedule, and cost dimensions, and implement mitigation strategies
- Support strategic planning and roadmap development for Nokomis’ counter-UAS portfolio
- Perform other responsibilities associated with this position as appropriate
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
- Demonstrated experience managing government R&D or technology development programs
- Technical background sufficient to understand and engage with engineering teams across hardware, software, RF, sensing, or systems domains
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent contracts with competing priorities
- Experience managing cost, schedule, and performance on government programs
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with customers, engineers, leadership, and external partners
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-project R&D environment
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships that support program growth
PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience supporting or managing counter-UAS, sensing, RF, radar, or defense-related programs
- Experience leading or supporting business development and capture activities
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition environments and contract types
- Experience working with system integrators or multi-company program teams
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Business, or a related field
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
