Federal Program Manager

Federal Program Manager

 At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary:

The Federal Program Manager will serve as a primary client liaison to Department of Energy and Department of Defense clients for planning, programming, and budgeting major infrastructure programs and projects. This experienced leader excels in advising senior civil service and military decisionmakers with industry best practices, innovative acquisition alternatives, and data-informed program recommendations.  With deep understanding of client requirements, demonstrated execution skills, analytical rigor, and consistent critical thinking, they facilitate seamless exchange of ideas across multiple stakeholder groups leading to timely and informed program decisions.  The Federal Program Manager ensures client satisfaction and effective program delivery within established performance parameters. This role will primarily support the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in their efforts to modernize existing site facilities and production processes using alternative acquisition strategies, where applicable. The Federal Program Manager will also support emerging opportunities with Department of Defense and other public sector clients exploring alternative acquisitions with other transaction authorities (OTA).  Where applicable, this role will also support private sector markets and clients with federal-adjacent projects.

Responsibilities:

• Advise senior military and civilian leaders managing major federal programs
• Facilitate technical and coordination meetings with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholder groups
• Build client confidence and establish long-term partnerships with the client’s management team and field leadership
• Respond to day-to-day program needs and client questions
• Identify and implement alternative acquisition methods, where appropriate, to satisfy client requirements faster and at lower cost
• Develop clear staff products to assist clients with planning, programming, and budgeting decisions
• Oversee project transitions through the full infrastructure lifecycle from inception to planning, design, construction, and operations
• Assist in the identification and evaluation of new project opportunities and contribute to proposal development
• Foster an environment of cooperation and change
• Inspire team members on a shared vision to achieve exceptional client outcomes
• Implement a performance-based and continuous improvement culture

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or a related technical field
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in federal planning, programming, and budgeting
• An expert in federal requirement validation, planning, budgeting, program development, and program management
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other government procurement procedures

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent work ethic and attitude 
• Excellent communication skills, organizational expertise, and the ability to plan, balance, and prioritize work 
• Ability to work within a team in remote, hybrid, and office settings
• Ability to lead a team and collaborate with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to travel 

Location: Remote

Travel: Approximately 10%-15%

Compensation:

The expected base salary range for this role is $180,000-$200,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.