Program Manager

Shift5 is redefining the future of onboard operational technology (OT). 

As a fast-growing scale-up, we specialize in cutting-edge cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance for OT systems across defense, aerospace, and rail. We are a team of passionate, innovative professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment, driven by a shared mission to revolutionize how fleets operate. By unlocking and democratizing the vast potential of onboard OT data, we help our customers’ fleets run smarter, safer, and more efficiently. Ready to be part of the next frontier in transportation and critical infrastructure? Come join us.

Our Values:

• Mission First Mindset: We exist to protect the service members who defend our nation and secure the critical systems that keep our economy moving.
• Relentless Innovation: We are motivated by the challenge of solving the toughest problems facing transportation and defense industries. 
• Data Driven Decisions: We make decisions rooted in data. Giving our team and stakeholders a more informed perspective possible when lives and missions are on the line.

We are seeking a mission-aligned Program Manager to drive operational execution across defense programs and ensure predictable, compliant, and high-quality delivery to our government customers.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, growth, and finance and will play a critical role in supporting Shift5’s next phase of growth.

This is not a passive coordination role. It requires strong ownership, technical fluency, executive presence, and the ability to drive accountability across cross-functional teams in a complex DoD environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute defense programs across cost, schedule, technical performance, and contractual compliance.
• Own integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, and performance tracking mechanisms.
• Partner closely with engineering, product, growth, finance, legal, and executive leadership to align delivery with customer expectations.
• Drive measurable impact in program predictability, customer satisfaction, and revenue realization.
• Identify and act on opportunities to improve execution rigor, reporting cadence, and cross-functional coordination.
• Navigate DoD acquisition environments including FAR/DFARS contracts, OTAs, and gated technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Contribute directly to scalable program infrastructure as Shift5 expands across Army, Air Force, and other defense programs.

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver on-time, on-budget, and fully compliant program milestones within the first 90 days.
• Establish credibility and trust with government customers and internal technical teams.
• Improve visibility into program performance through structured reporting and risk management.
• Reduce execution churn and last-minute surprises through disciplined planning and review cadence.
• Contribute to sustainable, scalable growth in our defense portfolio.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability technical environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional programs valued at $20M+.
• Strong working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM), risk management, and contract compliance principles.
• Comfort operating in regulated, mission-critical, fast-growth environments.
• Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• U.S. Citizenship required; current Active Secret Clearance
• Ability to travel up 20%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with OT deployments, embedded systems, or cybersecurity programs.
• Experience supporting proposal development and capture transitions to execution.
• PMP, DAWIA, or related certification.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $150,000–$190,000
Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup
Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
Life Insurance
Uncapped paid time off policy
Flexible work & remote work policy
Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Shift5 is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.