Program Manager with Security Clearance

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider. Position Overview Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI) is seeking a senior, mission-driven Program Manager to serve as the single accountable authority for a high-visibility Department of Defense cyber training and operations program supporting national-level cyber readiness. This is an executive-level leadership role, not a delivery-only position, with full ownership of program performance, financial execution, workforce leadership, and customer trust across a complex, classified cyber environment. The Program Manager will lead end-to-end execution-cost, schedule, performance, staffing, and long-term growth-while acting as the primary interface to senior Government stakeholders and CESI executive leadership. Success in this role is defined by exceptional contract performance, trusted-advisor status with the customer, disciplined financial stewardship, a stable and high-performing cleared workforce, and the identification of follow-on or growth opportunities that position CESI as a mission partner, not just a contractor. This role requires a proven leader who operates comfortably with autonomy, authority, and accountability in a mission-critical, TS/SCI (CI poly) environment, and who brings the credibility to influence outcomes at the strategic, operational, and executive levels. Location: Hanover, MD | Full-Time | On-Site Responsibilities * Serve as the single accountable authority for overall contract execution, including cost, schedule, performance, and compliance* Act as the senior interface to Government leadership, maintaining trusted, proactive customer relationships* Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing cleared workforce across technical, operational, and support roles* Develop and execute program schedules, staffing plans, and risk mitigation strategies* Own program financial performance, including budget execution, forecasting, and margin stewardshipPrepare and deliver executive-level briefings, reports, and written products to Government and corporate leadership* Oversee development, testing, documentation, deployment, and sustainment of complex cyber and IT training systems and services* Ensure contractual deliverables meet or exceed quality, timeliness, and performance standards* Coordinate closely with contracts, finance, subcontracts, project controls, and technical leadership teams* Support corporate growth through proposal development, LOE/BOE creation, recompetes, and contract modifications* Identify and execute opportunities for program improvement, efficiency, and long-term mission success Required Experience/Qualifications * Master's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Business, Finance, or related discipline. 10+ experience can be substituted for degree* 15+ years of experience of Department of Defense leadership experience.* Minimum 5 years managing complex federal programs* Proven experience leading large, complex DoD programs with multiple workstreams and distributed teams* Demonstrated success managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk across the full acquisition lifecycle* Experience leading cleared cyber, IT, training, intelligence, or mission systems programs* Strong understanding of Federal acquisition processes (FAR/DFARS, CDRLs, DIDs, LOE/BOE development)* History of effective leadership across technical, operational, and support personnel* Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight while maintaining executive alignment* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with senior Government and corporate leaders Preferred Experience/Qualifications * PMP or equivalent certification strongly preferred Special Requirements/Security Clearance Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and minimum of a TS/SCI (CI Poly preferred) security clearance. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order. Salary Range Based on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is: $220,000 - $270,000. The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees. Benefits Overview CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise. Our benefit package includes: * Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage* Wellness Program* 401(k) Matching* Disability (Short Term & Long Term)* Employee Assistance Program* Life Insurance* Education & Training* Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.