Project Manager - Defense and Biometrics

Parsons Corporation is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead high-impact efforts within their Defense & Biometrics Portfolio. The role involves managing a dynamic portfolio supporting military, federal law enforcement, and homeland security clients, with a focus on biometric technologies and systems.

Responsibilities:

• Interface directly with government customers, contracting officers, security teams, engineers, and Parsons leadership to align delivery, funding, and compliance
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-first team environment—even without formal direct reports
• Upon contract award, assume full ownership of the program(s)—driving all aspects of delivery including scope, schedule, budget, invoicing, compliance, and client satisfaction
• Capture, validate, and document customer requirements using Parsons’ Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) within Confluence and Atlassian tools
• Coordinate across internal service teams—ensuring timely input and alignment without direct authority, using established rules of engagement and consistent planning
• Lead project kickoffs and planning using Parsons’ standard platforms (SharePoint, Jira, MS Project)—establishing clear objectives, timelines, and stakeholder engagement
• Develop and maintain project schedules, manage dependencies and milestones, mitigate risks, and track progress across tools and teams
• Own the financial performance of assigned programs, including budgets, ETC, forecasting, invoicing, and funding alignment in partnership with Project Controls and Finance
• Serve as the primary customer interface—initiating and maintaining proactive communication to build trust, ensure transparency, and represent the Parsons brand
• Own and execute all phases of the program lifecycle, following PMP-based best practices from initiation through closeout
• Drive process improvements across project and team delivery with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Ensure program compliance with applicable security, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Identify and recommend opportunities to streamline workflows, improve tools, or enhance cross-functional collaboration; actively contribute to internal initiatives that increase operational efficiency or programmatic value
• Mentor junior team members and share best practices to build team capability; participate in onboarding, training, or knowledge-sharing sessions to support a high-performance team culture
• Demonstrate flexibility by taking on emerging tasks, special projects, or priority efforts outside your core responsibilities; collaborate with leadership to respond to shifting program needs or business objectives

Requirements:

• 10+ years of project and/or program management experience delivering government or defense programs
• Experience supporting U.S. military branches (Army, Navy, USMC, Air Force) or federal law enforcement
• Experience operating within structured project management and collaboration environments (e.g., SharePoint, Jira, Confluence, MS Project or equivalent)
• Experience managing cost, schedule, and performance within government contract vehicles (CPFF, CPAF, T&M, or FFP)
• Proven ability to lead and deliver within matrixed organizations, often without direct authority
• Strong customer engagement and relationship-building skills
• Proven ability to operate independently in fast-moving government program environments
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible for and able to maintain a U.S. security clearance; an active clearance is strongly preferred
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 10% of the time)
• PMP certification or an equivalent recognized program or project management credential (e.g., PgMP, FAC-P/PM, or DAWIA Level II/III in Program Management)
• Advanced degree (MBA or similar)
• Prior military service strongly preferred
• Experience with biometric technologies and system integration
• Demonstrated success managing complex government contracts with multiple stakeholders
• Leadership and management of teams of 1-50
• Active Secret clearance
• Ability to work onsite at the Summit Point, WV facility on a full-time, daily basis