Program Manager - DHS Customer-Unmanned Aircraft Systems
D-Fend Solutions
Customer Service, Operations
McLean, VA, USA
Posted on Jul 28, 2025
Position Summary:
D-Fend Solutions is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Program Manager to lead and coordinate delivery of our Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems technologies to United States federal government customers. This individual will oversee lifecycle management, cybersecurity coordination, configuration control, and warranty tracking for fielded systems supporting national security missions. While this position does not require hands-on software engineering or direct system scanning, the successful candidate must be able to manage technical staff and government reporting requirements while ensuring timely delivery of all program milestones.
The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with or supporting a federal government agency—particularly those involved in homeland security, border protection, defense, or law enforcement—and will understand the expectations around system compliance, structured reporting, and secure deployment practices. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing contracts such as IDIQs, and generating proposals and task orders. Travel will be required, and not expected to exceed 30-40%.
This is an in-office/hybrid position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage, and coordinate all phases of project planning, execution, reporting, and stakeholder engagement for federal government Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems technology programs.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between D-Fend Solutions and government stakeholders to ensure alignment with technical expectations, cybersecurity requirements, and operational timelines.
- Oversee the tracking and management of baseline hardware and software configurations; ensure any changes are documented through an approved Change Management process.
- Coordinate the development and delivery of documentation packages, including system drawings, installation records, engineering change reports, training manuals, technical support documents, and warranty coverage materials.
- Ensure the delivery and monthly execution of cybersecurity support tasks, including configuration scanning, vulnerability scanning, remediation planning, and reporting—performed by subject matter experts under your supervision.
- Oversee the development of remediation plans and milestone tracking documentation in response to cybersecurity findings, ensuring that risk resolution timelines meet federal standards.
- Maintain continuous coordination with internal engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and support teams to ensure timely delivery of all contractual obligations.
- Coordinate warranty services and manage hardware or software repairs and updates in accordance with contractual terms, including communication with vendors and shipping coordination.
- Ensure that all reporting and deliverables align with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, the National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity guidelines, and Department of Homeland Security compliance directives.
- Track and report on monthly system scanning results, remediation actions, and emerging cybersecurity requirements dictated by new federal laws, executive orders, or agency policies.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in project management, systems engineering, business administration, national security studies, or a related field.
- A minimum of five years of experience in managing complex projects or programs, particularly within or in support of United States federal government agencies.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating efforts involving system compliance, cybersecurity documentation, hardware lifecycle support, or operational technology delivery.
- Proven ability to manage schedules, risks, milestones, deliverables, and customer communications in a federal contract environment.
- Familiarity with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, the National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity framework, and system configuration management processes.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills; ability to work across technical and non-technical teams effectively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience working with the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Customs and Border Protection, or the United States Border Patrol.
- Project Management Professional certification or equivalent credential.
- Familiarity with Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems technologies, radio frequency-based systems, or secure field-deployed sensor platforms.
- Experience managing programs involving hardware warranty services, vendor communication, and government equipment sustainment logistics.
- Experience with IDIQ contracts and similar task order oriented contracts
- General understanding of system hardening principles, asset tracking best practices, and how to interpret cybersecurity scan results for reporting purposes.