Technical Program Manager

As a Technical Program Manager at DEFCON AI, your primary responsibilities will include leading day-to-day activities of the technical team, managing project schedules and performance, and ensuring alignment with our government client's objectives. You will also facilitate communication among diverse teams, drive strategic direction, and contribute actively to both business and product development.

To qualify for the Technical Program Manager role at DEFCON AI, candidates should possess outstanding leadership abilities, relevant project management experience, and familiarity with the Department of Defense's Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process. A Secret Clearance is also necessary, while experience in software development and Operations Research techniques would be highly desired.

DEFCON AI offers an attractive benefits package to its Technical Program Managers, including competitive salaries and bonuses, 100% employer-paid comprehensive health insurance for employees and their families, unlimited PTO with managerial approval, and 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additionally, opportunities for professional development and equity incentives are also available.

While not mandatory, experience with STRATCOM mission and programs is highly desired for the Technical Program Manager position at DEFCON AI. This background can greatly enhance your understanding of the operational landscape and improve collaboration with our government clients.

DEFCON AI is committed to the professional growth of its Technical Program Managers, providing ample opportunities for learning and development. You will have access to continued education resources, mentorship programs, and a work culture that encourages skill expansion and career advancement.

When answering this question, highlight specific leadership experiences, emphasizing instances where you led teams through challenges or managed high-stakes projects. Illustrate your ability to inspire and motivate team members while achieving project objectives.

Discuss your strategies for facilitating clear communication among team members, such as regular check-ins, using collaborative tools, and encouraging open dialogue. Provide examples of how these approaches have led to successful project outcomes.

Share your familiarity with various project management methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, or Scrum. Discuss how you have applied these methodologies in past roles to enhance project execution and team collaboration.

Illustrate your conflict resolution skills by providing examples of conflicts you've navigated in the past. Describe how you approach conflicts with a focus on understanding different perspectives and guiding teams toward a collaborative resolution.

Explain the tools and processes you utilize for tracking project metrics. This could include regular status meetings, project management software, or KPIs that align with organizational goals to ensure accountability and performance insights.

Share a specific example of a challenging decision you've faced. Discuss the context, the rationale behind your decision, and the positive results that followed, demonstrating your decision-making abilities and foresight.

Discuss your familiarity with the Department of Defense's Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process. Provide examples of projects where you've successfully managed budgetary considerations and ensured compliance with financial regulations.

Elaborate on your stakeholder management approach, highlighting the importance of understanding stakeholder needs, maintaining regular updates, and building strong relationships to facilitate project-related negotiations and feedback.

Mention specific project management tools you are proficient in, such as JIRA, Asana, or Trello. Explain why you prefer these tools, focusing on features that enhance teamwork, visibility, and efficiency in project execution.

Discuss the methods you use to stay informed about industry trends, which may include attending conferences, participating in relevant online communities, subscribing to professional publications, or engaging in ongoing education. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous growth in your field.