Senior Government Contract Program Manager – Driving Strategic Defense & Technology Initiatives, Customer‑Centric Excellence, Robust Governance, and Cross‑Functional Collaboration at brighthush

About brighthush

At brighthush, we are redefining the future of national security by marrying cutting‑edge semiconductor technology with the rigorous demands of federal defense and intelligence programs. Our mission is to deliver silicon solutions that power everything from advanced aerospace systems to the nation’s most critical scientific research facilities. We do this by combining deep engineering expertise, a relentless focus on compliance, and a culture that values trust, resilience, and innovation. When you join brighthush, you become part of a team that doesn’t just build chips – we build the foundation for a safer, more secure world.

Why This Role Matters

The Senior Government Contract Program Manager is the linchpin that connects engineering brilliance, business strategy, and federal customers. In this role, you will translate complex federal requirements into actionable, high‑impact programs that shape national defense capabilities and scientific progress. Your decisions will influence the trajectory of brighthush’s growth, the success of our government partners, and the broader semiconductor ecosystem. If you thrive on solving challenging problems, driving cross‑functional collaboration, and delivering measurable results, this position offers a unique platform to make a lasting impact.

Key Impact Areas

• Translate federal requirements into actionable program plans that align with corporate objectives.
• Serve as the primary advocate for our government partners, ensuring their needs are met while safeguarding brighthush’s commercial interests.
• Champion a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across all program stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership

Own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of high‑value U.S. Government contracts, from concept through delivery and sustainment. This includes:

• Defining program scope, objectives, and success metrics in collaboration with senior leadership and federal customers.
• Developing and maintaining integrated master schedules (IMS) that synchronize engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and compliance milestones.
• Ensuring that all program activities remain within budget, schedule, and quality parameters.
• Driving program performance dashboards that provide real‑time visibility to stakeholders.

Portfolio Management

Simultaneously oversee multiple programs, balancing resource allocation, risk mitigation, and milestone delivery across a dynamic portfolio. Responsibilities include:

• Prioritizing initiatives based on strategic value, risk profile, and resource availability.
• Coordinating cross‑functional teams to deliver on competing deadlines without compromising quality.
• Providing regular portfolio status updates to executive leadership and government stakeholders.
• Conducting portfolio reviews that inform long‑term resource planning and investment decisions.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner with engineering, product, operations, supply chain, legal, security, and finance to synchronize efforts and secure the necessary resources. This involves:

• Facilitating joint planning sessions that align technical feasibility with contractual obligations.
• Negotiating resource commitments and resolving conflicts that arise across functional boundaries.
• Ensuring that all teams adhere to the same governance standards and reporting cadence.
• Championing a shared language and common metrics that enable seamless collaboration.

Governance & Decision‑Making

Design and maintain program governance structures, cadence, and decision forums that promote transparency and accountability. Key tasks include:

• Establishing program boards, steering committees, and risk review panels.
• Defining decision rights, escalation paths, and change control processes.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices for continuous improvement.
• Ensuring governance artifacts are archived and accessible for audit and compliance purposes.

Customer Relationship Management

Serve as the primary point of contact for federal customers, conducting regular technical reviews, status reporting, and contract negotiations. This role requires:

• Building trust through proactive communication and timely issue resolution.
• Facilitating technical workshops that align product capabilities with customer needs.
• Negotiating contract terms that balance risk, cost, and performance.
• Acting as a liaison between customer and internal teams to ensure alignment on deliverables.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure strict adherence to FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations, including security and acquisition policies. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of evolving federal acquisition regulations.
• Overseeing compliance audits and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Coordinating with legal and security teams to manage classified information and export controls.
• Developing compliance training modules for program staff.

Technology Alignment

Work closely with product and engineering leaders to map government requirements onto the commercial semiconductor roadmap. This involves:

• Identifying opportunities to leverage commercial IP and manufacturing capabilities for defense applications.
• Ensuring that product roadmaps incorporate government‑specific performance and security requirements.
• Facilitating technology transfer and integration between commercial and defense teams.
• Monitoring emerging technologies that could enhance program outcomes.

Risk & Issue Management

Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across organizational boundaries, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement. Key duties include:

• Maintaining a comprehensive risk register and conducting regular risk assessments.
• Developing mitigation plans and monitoring their execution.
• Escalating critical issues to the appropriate governance bodies.
• Implementing risk‑aware decision frameworks to guide program execution.

Business Development Support

Contribute to proposal development, capture strategy, and identification of follow‑on opportunities to expand our government footprint. This includes:

• Collaborating with the business development team to craft compelling technical narratives.
• Providing subject‑matter expertise on program management and compliance.
• Identifying cross‑sell and upsell opportunities within existing contracts.
• Assisting in the development of pricing strategies and cost models.

Subcontractor & Supplier Coordination

Manage relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and partners to meet program deliverables. Responsibilities include:

• Negotiating subcontractor agreements that align with program objectives.
• Monitoring supplier performance and ensuring compliance with contractual terms.
• Facilitating communication between subcontractors and internal teams.
• Ensuring subcontractor activities adhere to security and compliance standards.

Essential Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship with an active U.S. Government security clearance.
• Minimum of 7 years of program management experience in a federal contracting environment (DoD, IC, or other agencies).
• Proven success managing complex, multi‑disciplinary programs within a matrixed organization.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. Government contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS), contract types (FFP, CPFF, OTA, CRADA, TIA), and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing from the working level to executive leadership and government customers.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.
• PMP certification (Project Management Professional) preferred.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Background in the commercial technology or semiconductor industry, with exposure to product development and manufacturing.
• Experience leading large, cross‑functional programs in a matrixed environment, demonstrating influence and execution across teams.
• Familiarity with non‑traditional defense contracting vehicles such as OTAs, CRADAs, or TIA programs.
• Understanding of integrated program management best practices and advanced risk management techniques.
• Hands‑on knowledge of semiconductor fabrication, packaging, design, or related technologies.
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable program plans.
• Proficiency in program management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, JIRA) and data visualization platforms.

Career Growth & Development Opportunities

At brighthush, we are committed to nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for advancement. As the Senior Government Contract Program Manager, you will:

• Lead increasingly complex and high‑impact government programs, expanding your influence across the organization.
• Progress into strategic leadership roles such as Director of Program Management, Vice President of Government Affairs, or Chief Program Officer.
• Mentor and coach junior program managers, shaping the next generation of leaders.
• Participate in cross‑functional initiatives that drive the future of defense technology and commercial semiconductor integration.
• Access a robust professional development budget for certifications, conferences, and specialized training.
• Benefit from a structured career ladder that rewards performance, innovation, and leadership.

Work Environment & Company Culture

brighthush fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, and innovation. Our core values include:

• Transparency: Open communication across all levels.
• Accountability: Ownership of outcomes and results.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A workplace where every voice is heard.
• Continuous Learning: Encouraging curiosity and professional growth.
• Impact: Delivering solutions that make a tangible difference in national security and scientific progress.

We offer a flexible, remote‑first work model with a strong emphasis on collaboration. Our Washington, DC‑based teams provide a vibrant hub for networking, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnership development. Employees enjoy a supportive environment that balances autonomy with teamwork, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and purpose.

Compensation & Benefits

brighthush provides a competitive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:

• Base salary aligned with experience and market benchmarks.
• Performance‑based bonuses tied to program success and company goals.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional development budget for certifications, conferences, and training.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive remote work environment.

Location & Remote Work Policy

This role is fully remote, but candidates must be located within the Washington, DC metropolitan area to facilitate collaboration with our DC‑based teams and government customers. We support a hybrid model that allows for occasional in‑office collaboration and networking events.

How to Apply

Ready to lead transformative defense programs and shape the future of technology? Submit your application through our careers portal. Please include a resume and a cover letter that highlights:

• Your experience managing U.S. Government contracts.
• Familiarity with semiconductor technology and related manufacturing processes.
• Examples of leading cross‑functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Any relevant certifications (e.g., PMP) and security clearance status.

Closing Statement

Join brighthush and become a pivotal force in advancing national security through commercial semiconductor innovation. Your expertise will directly influence the success of programs that protect our nation, accelerate scientific discovery, and drive technological progress. If you are a seasoned program manager with a passion for government contracting and a proven track record of delivering high‑impact initiatives, we want to hear from you.

Note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Only U.S. citizens with an active security clearance are considered.