Project Manager

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category: Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Rapid Prototyping Research Center (RPRC) focuses on providing its Department of Defense (DoD) sponsors a unique perspective on rapid prototyping that aligns with Section 804 in the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act. Specifically, rather than developing a new system to satisfy intractable problems on the battlefield, the RPRC integrates new technology into existing infrastructure. This unique approach reduces acquisition costs since the sustainment tail is in place. It also reduces the time to field intractable solutions to the battlefield from 10-14 years to 1-3 years. It assures the prototype involved is integrated with the latest technology, not dated technology due to lengthy acquisition delivery timelines.

About the Position:

The Project Manager leads the planning, execution, and delivery of DoD and IC research projects. The Project Manager is accountable for meeting sponsor requirements, managing project teams, budgets, and schedules, and ensuring compliance with federal and university standards.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for Project Leadership and Oversight:

• Serve as primary point of contact with DoD and IC sponsors;
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with sponsor requirements;
• Lead project kick-offs, sponsor reviews, and technical status meetings; and
• Direct the work of principal investigators, researchers, and support staff. 

Responsible for Multiple Project’s Planning and Execution:

• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and resource allocations;
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate project risks; and
• Ensure deliverables meet sponsor and university compliance standards. 

Performs Budget and Resource Management:

• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and approve resource allocations;
• Coordinate with financial staff for accurate billing, invoicing, and reporting; and
• Monitor cost, schedule, and performance against approved baselines. 

Provides Proposal and Pre-Award Support:

• Lead technical and management sections of proposals, ROMs, and white papers;
• Develop compliance checklists, timelines, and submission packages with BD staff; and
• Support bid/no-bid decision-making with technical and resource input. 

Responsible for Project Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare and deliver project reports to sponsors, leadership, and stakeholders;
• Maintain project compliance documentation and ensure secure handling of classified materials; and
• Oversee project close-out activities, including final deliverables and archiving.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Project Management certification;
• Generally, 5–10 years of project management experience;
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex strategic initiatives;
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive communication skills; and
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• 5-10 years of DoD/IC project management experience;
• Expertise in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, MS Dynamics, or equivalent; and
• Strong financial and contractual management knowledge.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Project Manager at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  January 7, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  January 21, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes