Project Manager 1 - Part-time (TS w/SCI eligibility)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Project Manager I to fill a part-time role supporting the Exodus Multi-Level Security (MLS) Program at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, CA. The Exodus program provides secure multi-domain information-sharing capabilities in support of Department of the Navy's missions.

As a part-time Project Manager I for AMERICAN SYSTEMS, you will:

• Develop, implement, and manage the Exodus Project Management Plan (PM Plan) to ensure deliverables meet all contractual, technical, and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Contractor Support Services (CSS) team, Government COR, and program stakeholders.
• Participate in weekly Exodus Operations meetings to capture requirement changes, new task triggers, and funding adjustments, ensuring plans remain current and actionable.
• Work closely with government financial managers to validate commitments, obligations, and expenditures in alignment with Navy fiscal-year cycles, continuing resolutions, and funding expiration rules.
• Maintain and refine a complex, multi-customer cost-sharing model in Excel, using advanced functions (defined names, SUMIFS/COUNTIFS, INDEX, MATCH, pivot tables) to accurately track and project recurring and non-recurring costs across customers.
• Analyze and forecast plan-vs-actual-vs-projection data to support budget formulation, variance analysis, and accurate financial reporting.
• Apply cost accounting and mathematical principles to support pricing, cost estimating, revenue planning, and annual financial forecasts.
• Collaborate with government PMs, COR, program analysts, and engineers to develop cost estimates, translate technical requirements into financial impacts, and communicate model results clearly to all audiences.
• Recommend process or contract improvements that enhance quality, accuracy, and timeliness of deliverables while maintaining compliance with safety and security requirements.
• Lead and mentor project staff to ensure alignment with program objectives, promoting knowledge transfer and consistency in cost modeling and project reporting.
• Demonstrate expert-level Excel and analytical skills, applying relational data concepts and quantitative reasoning to strengthen cost models and financial accuracy.
• Maintain understanding of IT networks and system-level architectures to accurately relate customer requirements to resource use and associated costs.

• Active Top Secret clearance w/SCI eligibility required
• Bachelor’s degree in a business, technical, or quantitative field; additional experience may substitute for degree
• At least 4–6 years of project management experience with 1–4 years supporting DoD, IT, or engineering programs
• Experience managing projects valued between $2M–$5M annually and leading teams of up to 15 personnel
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel (SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, INDEX, MATCH, pivot tables) and data modeling for budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Working knowledge of DoD and Navy financial processes, including funding, commitments, obligations, expenditures, and fiscal-year cycles
• Proven ability to develop and maintain cost models, analyze financial data, and communicate results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring staff and coordinating across technical, financial, and administrative teams
• Understanding of IT systems and network architectures and how they relate to cost and resource planning
• Strong foundation in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., PMI framework); PMP certification or equivalent training a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Candidates must reside within approximately two hours driving distance of China Lake, CA to support recurring on-site program requirements.
• The targeted hourly rate range for this position is $55.00 to $85.00 per hour, equivalent to approximately $57,200 to $141,440 annually based on a projected schedule of 20 to 32 hours per week.