Project Manager, Operations Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager

Overview

Mistral, Inc. is a member of the Mistral Group, a team of independent companies, each operating in different markets worldwide, while collectively sharing the mission of  Bridging  operational gaps in the Defense and Law Enforcement markets with practical, innovative, and high readiness solutions.

Mistral is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to support the execution of our multiple defense contracts. This is a full-time, on-site position at our Bethesda, MD headquarters reporting directly to the Vice President of Programs. This role serves as the primary interface to US Government customers for program-related matters and is responsible for leading cross-functional execution across engineering, supply chain, quality, contracts, and finance.

• Own end-to-end program execution for assigned contracts, with full responsibility for cost, schedule, performance, and compliance.
• Own and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), driving schedule realism, critical path management, and recovery actions.
• Partner with Business Development during capture and execution to establish realistic program metrics, schedules, and key milestones.
• Ensure contractual compliance across technical, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Responsible for program timing, quality, and budget (full accountability).
• Identify, document, and actively manage program risks; communicate risk status, mitigation plans, and recommended decisions to executive leadership.
• Collaborate with other professionals to ensure high quality contract deliverables within organization guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Apply disciplined PMO processes, risk management practices, and execution rigor to ensure predictable delivery and customer confidence.
• Support Business Development efforts by providing execution strategy, schedules, risk inputs, and cost assumptions during RFQ and proposal development.
• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with the government and partner stakeholders.
• Work in close coordination with the client, end-users, OEMs, system integrators, and prime government contractors.
• Serve as the primary Mistral representative in Government IPTs, program reviews, and milestone events.
• Plan and support formal Government reviews, including PRRs, TRRs, qualification events, and acceptance activities, as applicable.
• Ensure readiness for Government oversight activities, audits, and data requests.
• Manage program financial performance, including forecasting, variance analysis, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Contracts, Accounting, and Finance to ensure accurate invoicing, change control, and contractual compliance.
• Participate in trade shows and attend seminars & symposiums, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Management.

• BS/BA Degree – or equivalent experience.
• PMP Certification required (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• At least 5 years leading Department of Defense programs.
• Experience managing subcontractors and OEMs.
• Must possess or be eligible for Secret clearance.

• Experience supporting production or low-rate initial production (LRIP) programs
• Prior experience as a Government-facing Program Manager or Deputy PM
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition environments and PMO best practices.
• Additional experience with government contracts or Veteran status a plus.

Because the responsibilities of this position will involve access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information, Mistral will screen prospective job candidates to be staffed in this role and will only consider U.S. persons for ITAR/EAR compliance purposes. Under the definition of ITAR (§ 120.62) and EAR (Part 772), a U.S. person is (1) a U.S. citizen, (2) a U.S. national; (3) a lawful permanent U.S. resident, (4) an individual admitted to the United States as a refugee, or (5) an individual granted asylum in the United States.