Job Description

Amentum is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as a senior program analyst and program management leader supporting advanced Aviation Electronic Warfare (EW) and Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) initiatives for Naval Aviation. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels at leading complex programs, coordinating across diverse stakeholder groups, and driving mission outcomes in a fast‑paced defense environment.

The Principal SME will provide strategic leadership, program oversight, decision support, and process improvement guidance while enabling the development, testing, and sustainment of automated test systems and electronic warfare capabilities used across the Fleet.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Program Support

• Serve as a senior advisor to government leadership, providing expert recommendations on program priorities, resource allocation, and long‑term planning.
• Lead cross‑functional teams through complex program challenges while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and Fleet needs.
• Shape program strategy, influence key decisions, and support modernization initiatives across EW, AEA, and aviation sustainment portfolios.
• Drive continuous improvement, leveraging data, stakeholder engagement, and industry best practices.

Program Planning & Execution

• Lead development and management of program schedules, budgets, acquisition plans, and resource forecasts.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, logistics, test, financial, and contracting teams to ensure program milestones are achieved.
• Identify program risks, constraints, and dependencies while delivering clear, actionable mitigation strategies.
• Support development of long‑range planning documents, program reviews, and key decision packages.

Data‑Driven Program Analysis

• Apply strong analytical skills to evaluate cost, schedule, and performance metrics across multiple EW and AEA projects.
• Build dashboards, performance reports, and executive‑level briefings using tools such as Power BI.
• Analyze variances between planned and actual results, providing leadership with actionable insights and recommendations.

Financial Leadership

• Track, forecast, and manage program budgets to ensure cost‑effective execution.
• Support financial planning, cost‑benefit analysis, and ROI assessments for modernization, sustainment, and test equipment investments.
• Provide recommendations to optimize resource utilization and drive financial performance.

Compliance, Process Governance & Documentation

• Ensure program activities comply with DoD acquisition policies, Naval Aviation processes, and organizational standards.
• Lead or support audits, risk assessments, and process compliance reviews.
• Maintain high‑quality program documentation for reviews, stakeholder coordination, and program closure.

Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and deliver executive‑ready presentations, briefings, white papers, and decision documents.
• Facilitate communication between government sponsors, engineering teams, test activities, vendors, and Fleet operators.
• Build strong relationships and ensure consistent alignment across all program participants.

Tools & Systems

• Lead adoption and effective use of project management systems, analytic tools, and reporting platforms.
• Improve program efficiency through workflow optimization and automation where appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience Naval Aviation in electronic warfare systems, avionics, RF systems, or automated test equipment.
• Experienced leader in program analysis, program management, or acquisition support roles within defense or aviation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing project plans, budgets, and resource forecasts.
• Strong analytical background with experience evaluating program performance metrics.
• Proven experience preparing and delivering high‑impact executive‑level reports and presentations.
• Experience supporting or leading audits, risk assessments, and documentation reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• DAU Level III Program Management certification.

Work Location

Patuxent River, Maryland – Onsite/Hybrid

Compensation Details:

$130,000 – $180,000 annually

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

10/02/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.