Chief Operating Officer

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to support the CEO in the strategic leadership and operational execution of business strategies across departments. The COO will ensure efficient program delivery, regulatory compliance, and scalable operations aligned with our science, defense, and technology-driven mission. Demonstrating leadership in federal contracting and extensive experience managing DoD-funded programs within a scientific or R&D context. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all divisions-operations, contracts, IT, and compliance, aligning resources with program and contract goals.
• Oversee execution of federal contracts, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, contract terms, and performance requirements.
• Ensure adherence to federal procurement rules, FAR/DFARS, and agency-specific requirements. 
• Support both civil agency and defense-related contracts, including work with sensitive but unclassified (SBU) or controlled unclassified information (CUI).
• Ensure compliance with export control laws, CUI/SBU handling, and emerging cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., CMMC 2.0).
• Implement and refine company-wide processes for program management, budgeting, reporting, and performance measurement.
• Lead senior management team in fostering a high-performance, mission-driven culture and grow a high-performing team of program directors, technical managers, and corporate leaders. 
• Collaborate with the CEO on long-term strategy, growth opportunities, and business development initiatives. 
• Develops strategies for establishing partnerships and business relationships to market company’s expertise. 
• Collaborates with internal departments and external partners and allies in the development and implementation of strategies, plans, and business models. 
• Build and maintain relationships with government clients, subcontractors, academic partners, and industry collaborators 
• Oversee compliance with export control regulations (ITAR, EAR) and data processing agreements.
• Lead company readiness for CMMC 2.0 Level 2 (Advanced): implement/verify NIST SP 800-171 controls, maintain SSP/POA&M, submit SPRS score.
• Govern use of external cloud services handling CUI in line with DoD/DFARS expectations; coordinate with Security/Legal on FedRAMP-aligned architectures where appropriate.
• Manage DFARS 252.204-7012/7019/7020/7021 flow-down requirements to suppliers. 
• Ensure operational readiness for DoD 72-hour cyber incident reporting requirements and DFARS related certifications. 
• Oversee alignment with ISO 9001 principles and interface with IAQG OASIS for audit scheduling, surveillance reviews, and compliance tracking. 
• Establish and maintain an AS9100D-compliant Quality Management System (QMS) for aviation/space/defense software delivery.
• Other duties may be assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May manage subordinate supervisors who supervise employees in the Operations Department.
• Is responsible for assisting with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Also directly supervises non-supervisory employees. 
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. 
• Responsibilities include assisting with employee recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and professional development; helps enforce company policies and resolves escalated personnel or operational issues. 

 Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) or equivalent and a minimum of 15 years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Should have knowledge and understanding of a broad spectrum of disciplines involved in science, engineering and technology support.
• Broad understanding of business operations, strategic planning, and performance management.
• Proficiency with business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, ERP systems).
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with an ability to evaluate complex issues and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proven leadership capabilities and experience working with cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.<