We are seeking a high-caliber Senior Program Manager to serve as the primary execution lead for the Second Front workstream within the DIU Proving Grounds program. Th is role is embedded directly within the DIU ecosystem, focusing on the seamless transition of commercial dual-use technologies into the hands of the warfighter.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end management of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicles, navigating the critical path from initial prototype solicitation to successful production scaling.
Position Location: Mountain View, CA (On-site at Defense Innovation Unit HQ)
Clearance: Active Top Secret/SCI (or eligibility to obtain one immediately).
Execution: Lead the drafting, negotiation, and administration of both Prototype OTAs and Production OTAs in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
Milestone Tracking: Define and monitor technical milestones for Second Front-related vendors to ensure "successful completion" criteria are met for production eligibility.
Financial Oversight: Manage budget allocations, obligation timelines, and burn rates for the Second Front portions of the Proving Grounds program.
Stakeholder Liaison: Act as the primary bridge between DIU leadership, Department of War (DoW) mission partners, program teammates, and commercial vendors (Second Front partners and customers).
Proving Grounds Integration: Ensure that Second Front activities align with the broader Proving Grounds mission of testing, evaluating, and validating software and hardware at the speed of commercial innovation.
Risk Mitigation: Identify technical or policy issues early and unlock bottlenecks to ensure Second Front customers and partners seamlessly operate within the Proving Grounds ecosystem.
Growth: Partner closely with the Second Front Public Sector team and leadership to communicate and support the execution of on-program growth opportunities.
Reporting: Internally, you will report directly to the Head of Federal Delivery at Second Front, and within DIU, you will directly support and partner with the Proving Grounds Program Management team.
Delivery: Deliver high-visibility briefs to DIU Directors and Pentagon stakeholders regarding program health, transition readiness, and ROI on commercial tech integration.
Experience: 8+ years of Program Management experience, specifically within the DoW acquisition or Defense Industrial Base (DIB) sectors.
OTA Expertise: Proven track record of executing Other Transaction Authority agreements. You must understand the nuances of prototype-to-production transitions.
Clearance: Active Top Secret/SCI (or eligibility to obtain one immediately).
Technical Literacy: Ability to converse fluently with software engineers and product managers regarding SaaS, cybersecurity, and cloud-based "Proving Ground" environments.
Presence: Exceptional communication skills for on-site collaboration in a fast-paced, "startup-style" government environment.
Prior experience working directly with or within DIU or similar DoW innovation entities.
Familiarity with Second Front Systems or similar automated deployment/security platforms (e.g., Game Warden).
This isn't a "maintenance" PM role. You will be at the tip of the spear in changing how the Pentagon buys technology, and how Second Front fields it. The Proving Grounds program is a high-priority initiative within DIU aimed at breaking the traditional, slow-moving acquisition cycle by leveraging the agility of commercial partners.
The expected base salary range for this role is $140,000– $191,000. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, level, and geographic location. This role may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and equity grants as part of the total compensation package.
Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth
Having a bias toward action and tangible, measurable results
Striving to be both compassionate and direct with your feedback
Being team-oriented and inclusive with your actions
This role is full time. As a public benefit corporation, we’re a team of purpose-driven trailblazers transforming the future of U.S. national security. We hire the best to do their best and, as such, we are committed to providing the perks and benefits you need to be successful—both in- and outside the workplace.
We offer you:
Competitive Salary
100% Healthcare, vision and dental coverage
401(k) + 3% company contribution
Equity incentive plan
Tech + office supplies stipend
Annual professional development stipend
Flexible paid time off + federal holidays off
Parental leave
Referral Bonus
Visit our careers page to learn more.
Second Front Systems (2F) is a public-benefit software company powering software for the free world. We eliminate the friction that slows innovation, enabling faster, more secure development and deployment of software across government and regulated networks. Built by national security veterans and backed by top-tier venture capital, our platform is trusted by the world’s leading organizations to cut deployment timelines from years to weeks. We move fast, solve hard problems, and deliver trusted capabilities where they’re needed most. Our work strengthens global security and gives the United States and its allies a lasting competitive advantage. Learn more at secondfront.com.
ONE LAST THING…
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Are you ready to join our team?
To apply, click the “Apply for This Job” button at the top or bottom of this page and complete the application form.
This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
STATE NOTICES
Colorado:
In accordance with Colorado law, applicants may redact their date of birth, dates of attendance, and dates of graduation from any uploaded documents.
Maryland:
UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT