Sr. Project Manager, DoD

In today's dynamic worksites, seamless collaboration between people and machines is essential. FORT's platform ensures safe, secure, and dynamic control that surpasses legacy systems and next-generation AI capabilities.

While autonomous machines offer significant advantages, they also introduce new safety challenges. FORT addresses these concerns by providing solutions such as the Wireless E-Stop, which allows operators to instantly stop any machine from a safe distance, enhancing safety during emergencies.

Additionally, FORT's Safe Remote Control enables operators to manage heavy machinery remotely, reducing the risk of accidents and improving visibility.

By ensuring communications integrity across any network, FORT empowers customers to protect their most valuable assets—people, data, and machines—ensuring they remain safe and secure.

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager with DoD and military experience to lead the successful execution of a complex and high-impact defense program. At FORT, we’re a startup with bold ambitions to accomplish the impossible—and we’re looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments, takes extreme ownership, and builds together with cross-functional teams to get things done.

What You’ll Do

Project Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of defense projects with excellence, speed, and urgency.
• Embrace a “work backwards” mindset to break down complex initiatives and deliver results under aggressive timeframes.
  
  

Stakeholder & Customer Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact between internal teams, defense customers, and DoD representatives.
• Build alignment across departments and drive proactive communication that is clear, candid, and outcome-focused.
  
  

Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with DoD regulations (FAR, DFARS), ITAR, NIST 800-171, and other defense standards.
• Anticipate and resolve risks early through creative problem-solving and relentless prioritization.
  
  

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, operations, and manufacturing to support integration, validation, and delivery.
• Help peers succeed by offering support, sharing knowledge, and celebrating wins together.
  
  

Execution & Agility

• Develop program roadmaps, budgets, and resources, adjusting quickly to change and recovering from setbacks.
• Bring a “speed of work” approach—move fast, stay focused, and clear roadblocks for the team.
  
  

Team Leadership

• Lead with emotional intelligence, foster a high-performing, motivated team, and deliver frequent feedback that supports growth and excellence.
• Model our values of introspection, accountability, and collaboration across every interaction.
  
  

Who You Are

• You have a drive to win and a relentless pursuit of positive outcomes for your team and mission.
• You take ownership of your role and impact, using tools like prioritization frameworks to focus where it matters most.
• You “think out loud”—communicate, ask for clarity when needed, and create shared understanding.
  
  

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience leading technical projects in defense, aerospace, or military environments.
• Demonstrated experience with DoD acquisition programs and working within a defense contractor or similar ecosystem.
• Familiar with defense procurement, security clearances, compliance standards (e.g., FAR/DFARS, ITAR, CMMC).
• Strong track record managing cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and operations.
• PMP, PgMP, Agile certifications, or experience with Agile for Defense is a plus.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), or related tools preferred.