Program Manager

Summary

LightFeather is seeking a **Program Manager** to lead 4–8 Agile software development teams (representing 40–80 technical staff) delivering mission\-critical systems for federal customers. This role is for someone who owns outcomes end\-to\-end—people, delivery, risk, and customer relationships—not a task\-runner or meeting note\-taker. You will be responsible for ensuring predictable delivery, maintaining team health, operating effectively in a demanding customer environment, and overseeing all program\-level operations including planning, reporting, staffing, subcontractor coordination, and contract compliance. **Location:** Hybrid – Washington, D.C. Metro **Job Type:** Full Time **Citizenship:** U.S. Citizenship Required **Clearance Requirement:** Ability to obtain a Public Trust (DHS preferred) Key Responsibilities * Oversee multiple parallel Agile software development teams, ensuring cohesive, predictable delivery across all workstreams. * Manage program\-level planning, including roadmaps, release schedules, dependency mapping, integration points, and risk mitigation. * Ensure all development teams deliver against technical, functional, and quality expectations. * Serve as the primary customer\-facing lead for program delivery. * Navigate difficult or shifting customer priorities with diplomacy and confidence. * Communicate status, risks, decisions, and progress clearly and proactively. * Partner with engineering leads to maintain team health, morale, and retention across 40–80 staff. * Provide structured guidance, escalation paths, and accountability expectations for team leads and Scrum Masters. * Identify and address performance issues in a timely and constructive manner. * Oversee program metrics, financial tracking, burn rates, labor utilization, deliverable schedules, and contract compliance. * Manage subcontractor performance, staffing, onboarding, and alignment with program expectations. * Ensure deliverables, documentation, and reporting meet federal requirements. * Lead cross\-team Agile ceremonies at the program level (PI planning, program standups, retrospectives). * Support Product Owners in backlog prioritization and cross\-team dependency resolution. * Ensure alignment across multiple roadmaps and product initiatives. **Required Qualifications** * 10\+ years of professional experience, including 6–8 years of software delivery project/program management. * 3–5 years managing multiple concurrent Agile software teams (not just one). * 2–3 years of direct experience with federal agencies, ideally DHS, USCIS, IRS, VA, DoD, or similar. * Demonstrated success managing 40–80 technical staff across multiple workstreams. * Experience managing subcontractors, staffing plans, and team performance. * Strong understanding of modern software development (APIs, cloud, DevSecOps, CI/CD, microservices). * Able to translate technical risks/details into customer\-friendly language. * Able to challenge or clarify technical assumptions when necessary. * Exceptional communication skills with the ability to drive alignment and resolve conflict. * Experience handling difficult customers or high\-pressure delivery environments. * Proven track record of improving team performance and retention. * Hands\-on experience with Jira, Confluence, Agile metrics, program dashboards, and release management tools. * Familiarity with Agile at scale (SAFe, LeSS, Nexus, or equivalent). * Experience supporting modernization or cloud transformation efforts. * SAFe, PMP, or CSM certifications (helpful but not required if the person has real\-world delivery experience). * Experience with CPARS, federal deliverables, LOE management, and contract management. Why Join LightFeather? At LightFeather, you're not just taking a job—you're joining a purpose\-driven team that delivers innovative, mission\-critical solutions to make a real difference. You'll work on diverse, meaningful projects that challenge and inspire you, alongside some of the best minds in the industry.