Implementation Lead

Implementation Lead Location: Washington, DC The Program Office is seeking an Implementation Lead to direct end-to-end project lifecycle execution across engineering and project management functions in support of a complex FAA program. This is a senior-level role that sits at the intersection of strategic program planning, client relationship management, and hands-on team leadership. The Implementation Lead is responsible for keeping the program on schedule, on budget, and in alignment with client-approved direction — while directly managing a team of engineers and project managers. A defining characteristic of this role is the ability to think ahead. The Implementation Lead continuously scans for emerging risks, schedule pressures, and decision points before they become problems — arriving at every client touchpoint with fully developed options, clear recommendations, and the analysis needed for the client to act confidently. Once direction is received, this individual translates decisions into clear, timely guidance for the program team and drives disciplined execution. Primary Responsibilities Manage the full program implementation lifecycle, ensuring delivery against schedule, scope, budget, and quality standards in alignment with client-approved direction Continuously monitor program status and risk — thinking several steps ahead to surface emerging issues, decision points, and potential challenges before they escalate Develop well-structured options and recommendations for client review, presenting risks, trade-offs, and a preferred course of action clearly and concisely Upon client approval, translate decisions into clear next-action guidance for the program team and ensure timely, consistent execution Directly manage a team of engineers and project managers — assign work, manage capacity, conduct performance reviews, and support career development Develop and maintain integrated project plans including scope, schedule, milestones, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies Monitor and triage budget variances; prepare financial analysis and updated forecasts for client review and approval Define, track, and report program KPIs and performance dashboards on a daily/weekly basis to support informed client decision-making Design and continuously improve workflow controls and program processes; document and publish SOPs, checklists, and operational guidance to address gaps Prepare thorough analysis of policy exceptions and non-standard issues, presenting options and recommendations for client or leadership approval Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, clients, vendors, and engineering and operations counterparts Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Engineering, Business, Information Systems, or related discipline) 12+ years of relevant experience 2+ years of direct experience supporting or leading project work with the FAA or within a comparable federal aviation or government program environment Demonstrated experience directly managing engineers and project managers, including performance oversight, workload management, and professional development Strong financial acumen — budget analysis, variance reconciliation, and forecasting within approved program parameters Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with senior government and executive stakeholders on matters of strategic importance Superior written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical and financial detail into clear, defensible recommendations Experience designing and implementing program processes, operating procedures, and performance reporting frameworks Experience with PATS, CWP, Smartsheets and FAA acquisition Familiarity with engineering design review processes in an infrastructure program context Experience with FAA Power Services Group, specifically Engine Generators and Fuel Storage Tanks. If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares. Original Posting: May 19, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.