Redcellpartners5h ago

Deputy Program Manager (TS/SCI Clearance Required)

United States·Washingtonmid

OtherDeputy Program Manager

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

Speed vs. rigor Experimentation vs. operational reliability Innovation vs. scalability Push back on legacy, document‑heavy, waterfall approaches that slow real delivery.

Technical Tools

OtherDeputy Program Manager

Red Cell Partners is an incubation firm building and investing in rapidly scalable technology-led companies that are bringing revolutionary advancements to market in three distinct practice areas: healthcare, cyber, and national security. United by a shared sense of duty and deep belief in the power of innovation, Red Cell is developing powerful tools and solutions to address our Nation’s most pressing problems.

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.

Responsibilities

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

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 & willing to attend frequent in-person meetings (30-40%)
Demonstrated ownership of day‑to‑day program execution
Hands‑on experience with Agile or Hybrid software delivery frameworks.
Experience working on programs involving advanced analytics, AI/ML, optimization, or data‑driven systems.
Experience delivering software that supports real operational users, exercises, or deployments.
Strong bias toward execution, learning, and delivery.
Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast‑evolving problem spaces.
Able to make decisions with incomplete information.
Able to influence without authority across highly technical teams.

Requirements

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A fully remote, results-based environment
Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package
100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family
Unlimited PTO, with your manager’s approval
Flexible work environment where you manage your work day
14 weeks of fully-paid parental leave

What We Offer

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✓Career track opportunity with potential for rapid advancement with strong performance as the firm grows

✓100% employer paid, comprehensive health care including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.

✓Paid maternity and paternity for 14 weeks at employees' normal pay.

✓Unlimited PTO, with management approval.

✓Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

✓Optional 401K, FSA, and equity incentives available.

✓Mental health benefits are available through Tara Mind.

✓Cost effective GLP-1 solutions available through Crux.

✓Managing and administering your application throughout the hiring process;

✓Verifying the accuracy and authenticity of application materials, including by cross-referencing information you provide against publicly available sources and proprietary databases;

✓Identifying indicators of potentially fraudulent, fabricated, or materially misleading application content, including but not limited to discrepancies between submitted materials and publicly available professional profiles, geographic anomalies, and fabricated work histories.