Project Manager - Platform Training Team

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

The Project Manager (PM) for the Training Platform will be primarily responsible for both end-to-end process of delivering mission focused training in support of the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE). The incumbent will lead the planning, coordinating, and monitoring the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of instructional materials that support operational readiness in a rapidly evolving cyber landscape. The PM will report directly to the Enterprise Content Delivery Cell (ECDC) Program Manager, and ensuring cost, schedule and scope of the Training Platform are addressed. This role is coded as a leadership position and requires technical management experience, and overseeing performance metrics of the team, as well as being the primary conduit for stakeholders.

The position is full time on-site at Hanover, MD.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on key training metrics, including completion rates, learner feedback, and performance improvement indicators.
• Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop, review, and validate technical training content for accuracy and relevance.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer with SMEs to ensure training materials reflect current operational practices and technical requirements.
• Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving skill requirements that may influence training content or delivery approaches.
• Research and integrate new technical competencies into training programs to ensure content remains modern and mission-ready.
• Partner with stakeholders—such as department leads, project managers, and team supervisors—to assess training needs and align program goals with organizational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders to support effective coordination, communication, and continuous training improvement.
• Supervise and provide guidance to a team of instructors and content developers to ensure high-quality content delivery and instructional effectiveness.
• Develop schedules for all training work and ensure that deliverables are completed on time.
• Provide assistance and support to proposals, and other duties as assigned.

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of combined experience in program management, technical training, and instructional design.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience developing and delivering technical training content in a DoD or cyber operations environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of instructional design methodologies and adult learning principles.
• Experience with Agile or rapid development methodologies for content creation.
• Demonstrated capability to supervise cross-functional teams of instructors, content developers, and engineers in support of complex training delivery.
• Strong problem-solving skills across integrated software and hardware platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface across technical and leadership teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and a proactive, mission-focused mindset.
• Flexible and responsive to evolving customer requirements and stakeholder needs.
• Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II or greater certification such as Security+, CCNA, CISSP or other equivalent certification.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Experience as an officer in the military and leading teams is highly preferred.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a Government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a TS/SCI security clearance and eligible for a CI polygraph. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order. 

Occasional travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job. 

Salary Range

Based on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is:  $155,000 - $190,000.

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, CESI also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, CESI provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.