The Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Program Manager (PM) serves as a strategic leader supporting the Utility Helicopters Project Office (UHPO), responsible for overseeing and synchronizing multiple related UH-60M procurement and modification efforts to achieve overarching Army aviation and partner nation objectives. In this capacity, the incumbent defines, articulates, and executes the program vision, scope, and operational baselines, ensuring direct alignment with UHPO strategic priorities. The SME/PM drives the end-to-end success of complex Foreign Military Sales (FMS) portfolios by directing program baselines, managing integrated master schedules (IMS), forecasting resource requirements, and leading comprehensive case performance reporting across the entire acquisition lifecycle.
Operating with a high degree of independence, the SME/PM proactively identifies, evaluates, and mitigates program-level technical, cost, and schedule risks, establishing contingency and mitigation strategies to guarantee that partner-nation operational requirements and delivery milestones are met. The incumbent provides hands-on technical guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day direction to multidisciplinary project teams, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and mission-focused environment. Additionally, the position regularly evaluates portfolio performance against established defense acquisition Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), leveraging data-driven insights to introduce operational innovations and drive continuous process improvements across all active cases.
Serving as a primary operational interface, the SME/PM actively manages expectations and coordinates workflow across the broader Army Security Assistance Enterprise (ASAE), including high-level engagements with USASAC, DASA DEC, DCMA, contracted Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and foreign defense representatives. The incumbent exercises rigorous governance to ensure that all procurement actions, contract data deliverables, engineering changes, and total package fielding efforts adhere strictly to United States Government (USG) acquisition policies, the Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM), and established quality standards.
BS/BA with 6 years of relevant experience
Independent Execution & Initiative: Self-starter capable of driving projects to completion with minimal oversight in dynamic, fast-paced defense acquisition environments. Multi-Task & Priority Management: Demonstrated ability to balance, de-conflict, and execute multiple high-priority requirements concurrently while maintaining strict attention to detail. Executive & Team Communication: Strong oral, written, and briefing skills with proven ability to communicate complex acquisition data clearly to cross-functional teams, external partners, and senior DoD/USG leaders. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to build consensus and integrate efforts across multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, logistics, legal/foreign disclosure, and industry counterparts. Program Organization & Delivery: Strong organizational and critical-thinking skills focused on milestone tracking, prioritizing task, and structured problem resolution.
Program Analysis & Reporting: Conduct program baseline analysis, monitor cost/schedule/performance metrics, and prepare executive briefings and acquisition documentation, DoW directives, and the Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM / DoD 5105.38-M). Cross-Functional Execution: Execute assigned UH-60 procurement, fielding, and sustainment tasks under general direction, collaborating with engineering, integrated product teams (IPT), contracting, and foreign disclosure teams to ensure mission milestones are achieved. Stakeholder Coordination: Liaison across USG security assistance stakeholders and industry partners (e.g., Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin) to coordinate production, modification, and fielding schedules. Portfolio & Risk Management: Track Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), manage risk/issues/opportunities matrices, and oversee multi-country FMS case tracking to prevent delivery slippages.
Canvas offers highly-advanced technical services and engineering solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Our highly qualified staff of Engineering, Test, Defense Acquisition, and Business Management professionals provide Technical and Programmatic solutions to the US Army, US Air Force, US Space Force, Missile Defense Agency, US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, Space and Missile Defense Command, National Guard Bureau, NASA, and other Federal Agencies.
Canvas specializes in supporting the Department of Defense and other government agencies in the areas of Systems Engineering and Integration, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity and Intelligence, Test and Evaluation, Safety and Facilities Engineering, Technology and Product Development, Acquisition Management, and Business and Program Management.
