Deputy Program Manager (TS/SCI Clearance Required)

ABOUT DEFCON AI

RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems.
In today’s dynamically changing world, DEFCON AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions.

About the Role 

We are seeking a Deputy Program Manager to help lead execution of a large, software‑intensive, AI‑enabled DoD program transitioning from prototype into sustained operational use.

This role will primarily operate remotely from the Washington, DC area, with the willingness to attend frequent in‑person meetings with government and industry partners.

This role is for someone who:

• Lives inside execution, not just oversight
• Is comfortable managing programs built on AI‑foundational approaches (data‑driven systems, optimization engines, ML‑enabled decision support)
• Understands DoD software realities but leans forward in acquisition and delivery thinking
• Can step in as Acting Program Manager at any time without slowing momentum

You will partner closely with the Program Manager while owning the day‑to‑day execution heartbeat across engineering, LLM and AI/ML development, integration, cyber, cloud, and operational stakeholders.

This is not a traditional Deputy PM role. It is a hands‑on operator role in a fast‑moving, AI‑centric software environment.

Key Responsibilities 

Drive Daily Execution of AI Enabled Software Programs

• Own day‑to‑day execution across multiple software and data‑centric workstreams
• Translate capability goals into executable plans aligned to incremental, learning‑driven delivery
• Track tasking, dependencies, delivery status, and issue resolution across engineering and AI teams
• Identify and remove blockers before they impact delivery, credibility, or user trust.

Lead Forward-Leaning Software Acquisition and Delivery

• Operate within DoD software acquisition pathways while actively pushing toward modern, software‑first outcomes.Apply pragmatic, outcome‑oriented acquisition thinking suited to fast‑evolving AI systems.Help shape delivery strategies that balance:
  • Speed vs. rigor
  • Experimentation vs. operational reliability
  • Innovation vs. scalability
  Push back on legacy, document‑heavy, waterfall approaches that slow real delivery.

Enable Agile / Hybrid Delivery in an AI Context

• Operate comfortably in Agile and Hybrid delivery environments supporting AI‑driven systems.
• Support sprint planning, release planning, backlog prioritization, and iterative capability drops.
• Ensure Agile practices enable learning, adaptation, and delivery — not process theater.
• Help teams manage the realities of AI development (model iteration, data dependency, evolving performance metrics).

Operate Comfortably in AI‑Foundational Systems

• Partner effectively with engineers and data scientists
• Support programs built on optimization engines, analytics pipelines, AI/ML models, and data‑driven workflows.
• Understand that AI‑enabled systems:
  • Improve over time
  • Require iteration and feedback loops
  • Demand different delivery and risk‑management approaches than static software
   

Act as Deputy / Acting Program Manager

• Maintain full situational awareness across scope, schedule, risks, dependencies, and stakeholders.
• Step in for the Program Manager when needed to:
  • Lead internal and external meetings
  • Make time‑sensitive execution decisions
  • Communicate clearly with senior government and industry leaders

Manage Risk, Issues and Tradeoffs

• Proactively identify and manage program risks — including technical, data, integration, and delivery risks.
• Maintain and actively use RAID logs and decision records.
• Surface uncomfortable risks early, with practical mitigation options.
• Drive decisions rather than deferring them.

 Required Qualifications 

• 7+ years managing or leading software‑intensive DoD programs.
• Experience as a PM or Deputy PM
• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
• Currently reside in the Washington DC area & wi