Systems Engineering and Program Management Support

Overview The Senior Systems Engineering and Program Management Advisor serves as a foundational pillar for Senior Program Managers (SPMs), providing expert-level acquisition, engineering, and program startup advice to enable informed leadership decisions as programs navigate from contract award through Critical Design Review (CDR). You will apply deep expertise in Post-Award Execution and Contract Activation to connect early rapid prototyping strategies to concrete governance and administrative readiness. Responsibilities In this role, you will help SPMs ensure that the critical early stages of the MTA Rapid Prototyping lifecycle (MTA Execution phase) are firmly established, identifying where administrative transitions or governance structures need reinforcement to maximize program momentum. You will translate complex startup requirements, financial formulations, and early execution data into clear strategic communication products, decision-quality analysis, and stakeholder briefings, enabling the SPMs to smoothly launch programs, manage recurring reporting, and make informed early-lifecycle decisions You will directly support SPMs in the rapid initiation and execution of newly awarded contracts, serving as a trusted advisor on program startup, governance establishment, and administrative transition. You will work across nascent program elements and functional organizations to develop an integrated understanding of execution readiness, budgets, early schedules, and reporting dependencies, providing actionable recommendations to the SPMs. You will advise on Post-Award Execution strategies, assessing whether newly established governance and administrative baselines support rapid prototyping priorities and recommending actions to ensure a seamless transition into the MTA Execution phase. You will provide independent advice on early-stage programmatic and financial requirements, helping SPMs evaluate financial product formulation, prepare for initial stakeholder reviews, and establish compliance rhythms. Responsibilities and tasks will also include: Providing expert systems engineering and program management advisory support to SPMs preparing for contract award through CDR execution. Applying deep expertise in Post-Award Execution and Contract Activation (Program Startup) to advise the government in establishing administrative transitions, governance structures, and execution readiness. Assisting the government in tracking early execution activities and preparing draft strategic communication products for government approval. Providing analytical support in the formulation of draft financial products critical to early program baselining. Assisting in preparing materials and analytical baselines for key early stakeholder reviews, including PMRs, QPRs, and Congressional inquiries. Supporting the government in monitoring and establishing recurring reporting requirements to facilitate timely, compliant submissions from Day One. Identifying disconnects between startup strategy and actual administrative readiness, recommending corrective actions to maintain rapid prototyping speed. Assessing early portfolio execution data and identifying trends, risks, and governance decisions requiring SPM attention. Integrating information across technical, financial, and contracting disciplines to provide SPMs with a coherent view of overall contract activation health. Skills Required At least 10 equivalent years of experience performing Program Management, Systems Engineering, or Acquisition Management within the national security space enterprise or government support/development contractor environments. Demonstrated specialized knowledge in Post-Award Execution, Contract Activation, and Program Startup activities for major defense or rapid prototyping programs. Strong understanding of early MTA Rapid Prototyping lifecycles, administrative transition, and governance establishment. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitat ve techniques used to analyze early financial data, formulate financial products, and brief senior-level leadership at initial PMRs/QPRs. Ability to synthesize complex programmatic startup requirements and transform them into concise executive-level briefings and strategic communication products. Must be able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide candid, objective advice during the fast-paced, high-visibility contract award/activation window. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Bachelors degree (BA/BS) in Business, Management, Engineering, Operations, or a related field is required. Active Secret Clearance (required). US citizenship (required). Education Bachelors degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or the sciences. Benefits We offer competitive salaries commensurate with education and experience. We have an excellent benefits package that includes: Comprehensive health, dental, life, long and short-term disability insurance 100% Company funded Retirement Plans Generous vacation, holiday and sick pay plans Tuition assistance About Tecolote Research Tecolote Research is a private, employee-owned corporation where people are our primary resource. Our investments in technology and training give our employees the tools to ensure our clients are provided the solutions they need, and our very high employee retention rate and stable workforce is an added value to our customers. Apply now to connect with a company that invests in you. View all career opportunities: www.tecolote.com Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X @TecoloteInc | Facebook [EOE/Disability/Veterans]