Project Manager @ George Mason University

Edtech.com's Summary

George Mason University is hiring a Project Manager for the Rapid Prototyping Research Center within the College of Engineering and Computing. The Project Manager will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of DoD and IC research projects by managing teams, budgets, schedules, and ensuring compliance with federal and university standards.

Highlights

Lead project planning, execution, and delivery for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) research projects.
Serve as primary liaison with DoD and IC sponsors, define project scope, and oversee project teams.
Manage budgets, track expenditures, and coordinate financial reporting.
Develop detailed project plans, identify and mitigate risks, and ensure deliverable compliance.
Prepare proposals, support pre-award activities, and lead technical and management sections of submissions.
Maintain project reporting, documentation, and ensure secure handling of classified materials.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, Project Management certification, 5-10 years of project management experience, strong communication skills, and U.S. citizenship with TS/SCI clearance eligibility.
Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree, 5-10 years of DoD/IC experience, expertise in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, MS Dynamics), and strong financial and contract management skills.
Works within the Rapid Prototyping Research Center focused on delivering rapid battlefield solutions aligned with Department of Defense priorities.
Salary is commensurate with education and experience; position is full-time with on-site work required.

Project Manager Full Description

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category:Â Research Staff

Job Type:Â Full-Time

Work Schedule:Â Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type:Â On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility:Â Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary:Â Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check:Â Yes

About the Department:

The Rapid Prototyping Research Center (RPRC) focuses on providing its Department of Defense (DoD) sponsors a unique perspective on rapid prototyping that aligns with Section 804 in the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act. Specifically, rather than developing a new system to satisfy intractable problems on the battlefield, the RPRC integrates new technology into existing infrastructure. This unique approach reduces acquisition costs since the sustainment tail is in place. It also reduces the time to field intractable solutions to the battlefield from 10-14 years to 1-3 years. It assures the prototype involved is integrated with the latest technology, not dated technology due to lengthy acquisition delivery timelines.

About the Position:

The Project Manager leads the planning, execution, and delivery of DoD and IC research projects. The Project Manager is accountable for meeting sponsor requirements, managing project teams, budgets, and schedules, and ensuring compliance with federal and university standards.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for Project Leadership and Oversight:

Serve as primary point of contact with DoD and IC sponsors;
Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in alignment with sponsor requirements;
Lead project kick-offs, sponsor reviews, and technical status meetings; and
Direct the work of principal investigators, researchers, and support staff.Â

Responsible for Multiple Projectâs Planning and Execution:

Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and resource allocations;
Identify, monitor, and mitigate project risks; and
Ensure deliverables meet sponsor and university compliance standards.Â

Performs Budget and Resource Management:

Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and approve resource allocations;
Coordinate with financial staff for accurate billing, invoicing, and reporting; and
Monitor cost, schedule, and performance against approved baselines.Â

Provides Proposal and Pre-Award Support:

Lead technical and management sections of proposals, ROMs, and white papers;
Develop compliance checklists, timelines, and submission packages with BD staff; and
Support bid/no-bid decision-making with technical and resource input.Â

Responsible for Project Reporting and Documentation:

Prepare and deliver project reports to sponsors, leadership, and stakeholders;
Maintain project compliance documentation and ensure secure handling of classified materials; and
Oversee project close-out activities, including final deliverables and archiving.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelorâs degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
Project Management certification;
Generally, 5â10 years of project management experience;
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex strategic initiatives;
Excellent written, verbal, and executive communication skills; and
U.S. Citizenship with ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masterâs degree in related field;
5-10 years of DoD/IC project management experience;
Expertise in project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, MS Dynamics, or equivalent; and
Strong financial and contractual management knowledge.

Instructions to Applicants:Â

For full consideration, applicants must apply for theÂ Project Manager at https://jobs.gmu.edu/.Â Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:Â January 7, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:Â January 21, 2026

Open Until Filled:Â Â Yes

A Force for Innovation in the Heart of Northern Virginiaâs Technology Corridor

About the College

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason University is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the CEC enrolled a record high of 10,933 students in fall 2023. The college has 34 undergraduate, masterâs, and doctoral degree programs including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of its 320 full-time faculty, 93 are tenured, 77 are tenure-track, 90 are term faculty, and 60 are research faculty. As part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams expended $65 million in sponsored research awards in the past year and had projects with over $119 million in current and anticipated awards. The college stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architecture, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more. The college encourages and supports multidisciplinary research and provides ample opportunity for faculty to work with other disciplines.

About the University and the Region

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students studying in over 200 degree programs. Mason is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. It was classified as an R1 research institution in 2016 by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes of Higher Education. The university has campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William County. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides unmatched geographical access to federal agencies and national laboratories. Northern Virginia is also home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech firms in the nation, providing excellent opportunities for interaction with industry. The region is consistently rated as being among the best places to live in the country and has an outstanding local public school system.

About the Future

In conjunction with Amazonâs decision to establish a second headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree programs in computing. As a result, Mason has committed to accelerate its plans to grow its capacity in computing and high-tech fields. Among the universityâs exciting initiatives are the launch of the Institute for Digital Innovationâa university think tank and incubator to serve the digital economyâand the expansion of Mason Square, home to its Arlington facilities. In 2025, Fuse, a new 355,000 square foot building, will open to students, faculty, and research teams. This net-zero facility will house the Institute for Digital Innovation, state-of the-art classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces. It will also include retail space, and leasing opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by Mason that will rapidly elevate the universityâs already leading national position in computing and related areas.

Original Job Description