We are currently recruiting recent graduates with either an MBA (or business related Master's degree) or Master's/Bachelor's in Engineering to come work for the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB as a Program Manager Intern.
What is a Program Manager (PM)? What does a Program Manager do in the Air Force?
An Acquisition Program Manager leads a team of multi-functional professionals in the acquisition and support of Air Force weapon systems: aircraft, weapons, training systems, IT and business systems at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). As an Air Force program manager you will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of an acquisition program to achieve the cost, schedule, performance and sustainment goals of your customers, the men and women who fly, operate, or maintain this country’s most advanced aircraft and systems. Your primary role will be that of the team leader. You will be "the buck stops here" individual who must be able to solve problems and make decisions by leading and motivating a diverse group of individuals to perform as a cohesive and effective team. The acquisition program manager must have organizational and people skills, communication skills, and analytical skills. Additionally, as the leader of a multi-functional team, the program manager must be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the other team members (logistics managers, financial managers, engineers and contracting specialists, etc.) Experienced, senior program managers often manage an entire aircraft program, like the F-22 Raptor. But as a new program manager, you will more often be responsible for a piece of a major program, like the modification of an item that is integral to an aircraft. Your responsibilities will grow rapidly as you gain experience and demonstrate the ability to handle more complex acquisition programs.
What is a PM Intern?
These are full time (40 hour/week) positions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The training program for an acquisition program manager is extensive, lasting three years (two years if you have a Master's Degree). After successful completion of the PM Intern program, the individual is offered a full-time journeyman PM position. In addition to classroom training, some of which will be cross-functional, much of what you learn will be on the job, working with experienced program manager mentors. You will also have numerous opportunities to continue this professional and personal training throughout your career.
Starting salary with only a Bachelor's Degree is GS-07 (approximately $42,347), growth in one year to GS-09 (approximately $51,800), growth in two years to GS-11 (approximately $62,672), graduation or completion of internship program to GS-12 journeyman PM (approximately $75,118).
Undergraduate Degree is required with no less than a 2.95 GPA cumulative (must submit official transcripts) Masters’ Degree is encouraged (must submit official transcripts). It may be possible to enter the training program as a GS-09 with a completed MBA/Master's Degree.
Ability to obtain a Security clearance is required.
Must be a citizen of the United States of America.
