Deputy Program Manager

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Deputy Program Manager to provide Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) for advanced radar system programs while also driving business growth and financial accountability. You will be responsible for supporting the Government customer overseeing complex program lifecycles, managing multidisciplinary technical teams, and providing successful strategic guidance, technical leadership and program oversite . In addition, this role will play a critical part in business development and capture activities, shaping proposals, supporting cost estimating, and maintaining program budgets. 

This is a customer-facing leadership role requiring radar domain knowledge and the ability to translate technical solutions into executable, cost-effective sustainment and modernization projects. This role also includes direct supervisory responsibilities, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance oversight for technical and program staff. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with excellent communication skills, technical acumen, and a problem-solving mindset who thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.

Responsibilities

Program & Technical Leadership

• Provide programmatic expertise and advice to government customers. Assisting the Government to lead end-to-end program execution for radar development, integration, test, and deployment.Serve as deputy to the Program Manager, leading day-to-day operations and acting as a key decision-maker in their absence.
• Act as primary interface with government and industry, ensuring alignment with technical and contractual requirements.
• Direct cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions on schedule and within budget.
• Identify, track, and mitigate program risks while capitalizing on opportunities.
• Drive compliance with DoD acquisition policies, standards, and contractual obligations.
• Travel up to 25%
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise a multidisciplinary team of engineers, analysts, and program support staff.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and career development discussions.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Manage staffing plans, resource allocation, and workload distribution to ensure project success.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and quality procedures.

Business Development & Capture

• Identify, qualify, and capture new business opportunities within radar, sensor, and defense technology domains.
• Develop and execute strategic capture plans in coordination with business development and engineering teams.
• Lead proposal efforts, including solution development, pricing strategies, and customer engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders to establish your opportunity pipeline.
• Support customer briefings, demonstrations, and technical interchange meetings to advance pursuit strategies.

Financial & Cost Management

• Develop and manage program financial plans, including budgets, forecasts, and earned value reporting.
• Oversee preparation of cost estimates, Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation, and pricing strategies for proposals.
• Monitor contract funding, expenditures, and margins; ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Partner with Finance and Accounting teams to assess performance, variances, and corrective actions.
• Support audits and customer financial reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelors degree or 6 years with a Masters degree, or PhD with 3 years experience, and 3 years of experience leading teams in radar systems, defense, or aerospace programs. 
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government security clearance
• Proven record of managing complex DoD programs with direct customer engagement.
• Strong understanding of radar systems
• Demonstrated experience in cost management (EVM, forecasting, BOE preparation).
• Hands-on involvement in business development and capture activities.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• Experience with FAR/DFARS contracting processes and DoD acquisition lifecycle. 

Desired Qualifications

• PMP or DAU Program Management certification.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams in matrixed organizations.
• Experience with Radar Modernization and Phased Array Technology
• Provide programmatic expertise and advice to government customers in a variety of programs
• Background in proposal leadership for radar or electronic warfare systems.
• Strong record of customer relationship building and account growth.
• Experience in:
  • Ballistic Missile Defense
  • Ballistic Missile Technical Collections
  • Space Situational Awareness Experience
  • Whole Life Engineering Experience

Global Comp

140,000 - 160,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

Compensation: 130000 to 160000 (USD)