Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Washington DC, Federated IT is dedicated to enhancing national security We leverage our extensive experience and technical expertise to deliver tailored solutions to federal customers. We offer robust, leading-edge information technology and cybersecurity solutions Our project portfolio includes the customization and delivery of optimized cloud computing, data center operations and migration, enterprise architecture, scientific research and analyses, and cyber security solutions. We serve the DoD, the IC, Federal Law Enforcement, and select federal civilian customers worldwide. Federated IT offers a productive, and collaborative work environment and competitive compensation packages including medical and dental insurance, paid time off (15-days) and holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401K, short and long-term disability, HSA/FSA, employee life insurance, and more.

Our Core Principles:  We value our PEOPLE, their integrity, their skills, and their professionalism - they enhance our reputation and ensure the success of our company. We value our position of trust with our clients --we strive to increase it in all interactions. We strive to provide the highest quality products and services at competitive prices; we constantly seek "best value" solutions for our clients.

Summary:

• The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) is responsible for the production and dissemination of Precise Time, Astrometry, and Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) to the Department of Defense (DoD) for use in navigation under DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4650.06. USNO, as the DoD Celestial Reference Frame (CRF) manager, is charged with collecting, managing, validating and disseminating celestial data. USNO is the authoritative source for all celestial data for the DoD. In support of this mission requirement, USNO operates telescopes to collect and validate the required celestial data. The Instrumentation Research and Engineering Division supports telescope operations, maintenance, upgrades, and deployment of new telescopes at the United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (USNO-FS).

Essential Duties and Responsibilites:

• Track progress of projects across the IRED Division. This includes collecting and analyzing data; identifying trends, potential cost drivers, risks, and challenges; and reporting findings to the IRED Division Chief or designee.
• Assist the IRED Division Director, project leads, and technical staff in identifying and finding solutions for any issues that arise to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Maintain project schedules using Merlin or comparable project management software and update them frequently throughout the lifecycle of the project to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of upcoming deadlines and milestones.
• Participate in project planning meetings and meet frequently with engineers and contractors to facilitate communication of project information between the IRED Division Chief and other project stakeholders. This includes attending meetings, taking notes, and summarizing key points for distribution to stakeholders.
• Support IRED purchasing by assisting with vendor correspondence, preparing documents, and identifying items for purchase that meet technical requirements and provide value to the government.
• Assist with compliance with regulatory and safety requirements, developing and documenting standard operating procedures, and tracking safety-related certification and training requirements.

Required Qualifications, Education, and Experience:

• SECRET security clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering project management, business administration or related field or demonstrated relevant specialized skills.
• Good understanding of sourcing, evaluating, or procuring engineering components including vendor / purchase order management and inventory control.
• Adept at handling multiple, competing demands while collaborating effectively with team members.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, and coordinate tasks or activities.
• Comprehensive understanding of project management in relation to engineering processes.
• Proficiency in computer and data systems, including word processors, spreadsheets, project management software, Mac OS, and Windows OS.
• Good communication skills (written, verbal, telephone, and email)
• Good presentation style (charts, graphs, spreadsheets)

Desired Qualifications, Education, and Experience:

• Certified Project Management Professional
• Familiarity with regulatory and safety requirements for electrical and mechanical engineering and machine shops.
• Three (3) years of relevant work experience in project management, supporting budgets, and administrative support.
• Strong understanding of instrumentation research and engineering principles
• Demonstrated track record of collaborating successfully in interdisciplinary environments with engineers, IT professionals, scientists, and military personnel.

The Successful Candidate will Possess:

• Prospective candidates should have strong risk management skills, excellent communication, teamwork, and conflict management skills.
• The candidate must be analytical and effectively able to prioritize needs, requirements, and other issues.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, develop relationships, and obtain consensus among interested parties.
• Critical thinker with strong technical skills, diagnostic skills and problem-solving ability
• Solid written and verbal communication skills to negotiate direction, drive projects and projects to successful conclusion and deliver knowledge to team members verbally and via clear designs, runbooks and technical engineering and exchange sessions
• Self-starter, flexible, adaptable, collaborative and motivated to champion continuous improvement
• Ability to develop peer networks across an enterprise to maintain technology awareness and to support resolution of problems
• Ability to operate across traditional technical boundaries, comfortable working in the compute space as well as the storage space in an operational capacity
• Technically curious and driven to learn new skills.

General Factors:

• Depending on project requirements, may be required to work within a compressed schedule; overtime should be expected when schedules demand it.
• Willing to travel, if needed.
• No RelocationDescribe the experience and attributes of the ideal candidate.