Project Manager - Test & Evaluation of Unmanned Maritime Systems / Secret Clearance

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• Salary Range - $110,000 to 160,000
• Clearance - A successful candidate must have an active Secret clearance to be considered.
• Location - Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA (This is not a remote position)
• Benefits - Best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.

Project Manager - Test & Evaluation of Unmanned Maritime Systems

Position Description: DAWSON is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support the U.S. Navy's Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) Test and Evaluation (T&E) program at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Port Hueneme.

This position supports the NAVFAC Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) in planning and executing shore-side, waterfront, and offshore activities associated with the Government's evaluation of prototype unmanned submarine systems. The Project Manager will lead contractor efforts supporting vehicle preparation, test event coordination, logistics, and operational support for XLUUV testing.

The role requires close coordination with NAVFAC EXWC and In-Service Engineering Activity (ISEA) teams, and other Navy stakeholders, as well as oversight of technical personnel, vendors, and operational support services required to execute test events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage, and execute contract tasking supporting XLUUV test and evaluation activities.
• Develop and manage project schedules, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and project execution plans supporting T&E activities.
• Coordinate XLUUV vehicle preparation and operational readiness activities supporting test events at NBVC and surrounding test ranges.
• Coordinate with Government stakeholders to support test planning, execution, and operational readiness activities.
• Coordinate waterfront and maritime operations, including launch and recovery operations, crane lifts, rigging activities, and vessel support.
• Manage logistics and vendor coordination for test operations, including crane services, fabrication support, marine services, shipping, and equipment procurement.
• Oversee contractor personnel supporting maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support of XLUUV systems and associated equipment.
• Manage contractor personnel and vendors supporting waterfront and offshore test operations.
• Ensure compliance with NAVFAC safety standards, weight handling requirements, and waterfront operational procedures, including coordination with installation crane safety offices.
• Participate in and lead bi-weekly teleconferences, program reviews, and technical coordination meetings with Government leadership.
• Serve as the primary interface between the contractor team and Government stakeholders including NAVFAC EXWC, PMS 406, and ISEA organizations.
• Support development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational documentation based on lessons learned during test operations.
• Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with the contract Performance Work Statement (PWS), applicable Navy policies, and established contract management procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Marine Systems, Program Management, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Must have at least an active Secret Clearance
• 10+ years of experience managing technical or operational projects supporting the U.S. Navy or Department of Defense programs.
• Experience supporting test and evaluation programs, maritime operations, or waterfront activities.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex technical activities across multiple stakeholders and subcontractors.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and task execution in a government contract environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports and brief Government leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting unmanned maritime systems, autonomous platforms, or undersea systems.
• Familiarity with NAVFAC waterfront operations.
• Experience supporting marine operations, vessel operations, or test range activities.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.

• Familiarity in maritime and waterfront operational environments.

DAWSON is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DAWSON offers a best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.

DAWSON gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.

DAWSON's career portal utilizes a third-party applicant tracking system that allows us to send and receive messages, along with our official DAWSON email addresses. Recruiting emails from DAWSON will only come from @dawsonohana.com or @msg.clrco.com. DAWSON will never: Ask you to send money or purchase equipment as part of the hiring process; Require you to download any apps to interview such as Teams, WhatsApp, etc.; Conduct interviews via Teams chat or messaging-only platforms; or Request banking information outside of secure onboarding steps. To verify current opportunities, use this official careers page. If you are ever unsure about DAWSON roles and communications, contact us at comms@dawsonohana.com before taking action.