Date: Jul 13, 2026
Location: Knoxville, TN, Tennessee, United States
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Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Requisition Number: 29362
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $120,044.00 - $188,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation’s intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
Leadership at HII – Mission Technologies
HII’s Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams:
Know & Grow Your People – Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
Build Relationships – Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
Take Ownership – Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
Customer First – Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
Shape the Future – Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
Act with Urgency – Make informed decisions and move with purpose.
These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission
Job Description
At Mission Technologies, a divison of HII, we aren't just following the curve; we’re defining it. We are looking for a visionary Program Manager to bridge the gap between the research/prototype and battlefield deployment.
Our philosophy is built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). We don’t lock ourselves into proprietary silos; we curate and integrate the absolute best industry technology to ensure our warfighters never face a fair fight. With our new state-of-the-art integration and test facilities, we have the infrastructure—now we need the leadership.
As the Program Manager for Directed Energy, you will be the primary architect of program success, overseeing the lifecycle of advanced laser and microwave systems. This isn't just about oversight; it’s about program execution in a high-tech environment. This pivotal role is involved in all phases of the program lifecycle, from proposal development and contract negotation to system integration, testing, and delivery. The successful candidate will serve as the primary interface with government customers and stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and ensuring program success.
The ideal candidate will have the following:
Proven track record of managing high-technology programs from development to deployment
Familiarity with Directed Energy systems, including HEL or High-Power Microwave (HPM) technologies
An understanding of defense contracting and proposal development
The ability to inspire diverse engineering and production teams in a fast-paced, "dynamic-is-the-norm" environment
Must reside within 50 miles of the following locations or a willingness to relocate Knoxville, TN within 90 - 120 days
This is more than a career move; it is an opportunity to work alongside industry-leading experts on technology that is redefining national security. You will have the resources of a titan and the agility of an innovator to build, test, and deploy the next generation of defense.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Program Leadership and Execution: Lead and direct cross-functional teams, including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless program execution.
- Cost, Schedule, and Performance Management: Oversee and manage program cost, schedule, and technical performance, implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) systems as required, communicating internally to ensure leadership alignment.
- Customer Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, leading program reviews and effectively communicating program status and technical progress.
- Contract Management: Manage contract negotiations, modifications, and ensure adherence to the scope of work.
- Risk and Opportunity Management: Proactively identify and mitigate program risks while identifying and pursuing opportunities for program growth.
- Supplier Management: Oversee key suppliers and subcontractors to ensure they meet program objectives.
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to the strategic direction of the directed energy portfolio, supporting business development and capture efforts for new opportunities.
- Team Development: Mentor and develop program team members, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Minimum Qualifications
6 years relevant progressive experience with Bachelors in related field; 4 years relevant progressive experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years relevant progressive experience.
A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in program management, with a significant portion in the aerospace and defense industry.
Demonstrated experience managing complex technical product development programs, preferably in directed energy, lasers, or related fields.
Proven ability to manage large-scale programs, including those with significant budgets.
Experience working with Department of Defense (DoD) customers.
Understanding of EVMS, risk management, scheduling, and budget management.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a US level Secret clearance.
Preferred Requirements
- PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
- A strong background in system integration and testing of advanced technologies.
- Strong understanding of government contracting, FAR/DFARS, and ITAR regulations.
- Experience with high-energy laser weapon systems.
- Completed DAU courses and / or credentials.
- Experience managing programs with EVMS.
- Experience as program management of DoD RDT&E / R&D programs.
- Understanding of all subsystems associated with high energy laser systems.
- Strong relationships with directed energy customers and industry players.
- Conversant in the history of directed energy systems.
- Experience with directed energy systems from R&D to field support.
- An active US level Secret clearance.
Physical Requirements
May be required to visit job site in an industrial or shipboard environment. Normally not required to lift more than 40 pounds higher than three feet above feet/floor level.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to
[email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.
