Program Manager (WS) (SkillBridge Intern) - 22656

Summary

This is an UNPAID internship through the DoD Skillbridge Program for transitioning active-duty US military personnel. DoD Skillbridge Internships are available to help transitioning active-duty military personnel gain real-world experience in the work force sometime during their final 180 days of active-duty service. The intern will actively train on meaningful projects and work closely with a mentor and with senior company leadership. HII Mission Technologies Internship programs are focused on placing transitioning military into internships that require KSAs, Education & Military Training similar to their current or previous military jobs; positions that could easily transition over to a full-time regular and permanent job with HII. 

Objective
The Skillbridge intern will train as a Program Manager within the HII Mission Technologies, reporting to a designated Mission Technologies Program Manager. The intern will gain hands‑on experience in project coordination and management through simulated client engagements and internal demonstrations—with every simulation orchestrated by the company. The training emphasizes project planning, risk and quality management, and continuous improvement while ensuring that all interactions are carried out solely under the oversight of authorized company representatives. This approach ensures full compliance with DoD representation guidelines by replacing any actual client engagements with controlled simulations. The intern will be assigned special projects as needed.

Desired End State (3-4 month target) At the end this training, the intern will learn:

• Guided Simulation of Client Engagement: Develop relationship-building and communication skills through fully simulated client interactions managed exclusively by company personnel.
• Project Management and Process Adherence: Gain practical experience in project planning, risk analysis, and resource allocation through real-world case simulations and demonstration scenarios.
• Ethical Leadership & Improvement: Enhance leadership and process optimization skills while ensuring all simulated interactions respect DoD guidelines, eliminating any potential conflict of interest.
• HII Mission Technologies will benefit from the military and experiential background of the Skillbridge intern and considers the Skillbridge internship an overall positive experience.

Assumptions/Restrictions

• Skillbridge interns are not authorized to represent HII to DoD or Government customers while participating in the DoD Skillbridge Program Internship. Interns can participate and train behind the scenes as long as they are not interacting with customers.
• If candidate is selected and approved, Skillbridge Intern can be present to work with one of the Business Development or Capture teams located at one of the primary HII Office locations nationwide.

Program of Instruction

TRAINING LOCATION: Kaiserslautern, Germany (HII Office near Ramstein AFB)

Training Plan

Phase 1 – Basics

• Week 1: Orientation & Industry Overview
  • Understand HII Mission Technologies' mission, structure, and defense industry role.
  • Learn DoD representation guidelines and ethical considerations for defense projects.
• Week 2: Simulated Client Relationship Management
  • Build effective client relationships through supervised simulated scenarios.
  • Practice communication techniques and ethical client interactions.
• Week 3: Project Planning Fundamentals
  • Define project scope, objectives, and milestones using simulated assignments.
  • Develop project plans with feedback from company mentors.
• Week 4: Resource Management Strategies
  • Learn resource allocation and prioritization through simulation-based exercises.
  • Create strategies to handle multi-task scenarios with company guidance.

Phase 2 – Program Management

• Week 5: Risk Management & Mitigation
  • Identify and assess risks in simulation exercises.
  • Develop and present mitigation plans under company supervision.
• Week 6: Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Study quality control measures and compliance standards using simulations.
  • Review case studies demonstrating internal ethical guidelines.
• Week 7: Performance Monitoring & KPIs
  • Establish and monitor KPIs using internal tools.
  • Create performance reports and review them with mentors.
• Week 8: Advanced Project Management
  • Use advanced project management software in guided simulations.
  • Explore agile and traditional methodologies and digital tools.

Phase 3 – Federal Contracting

• Week 9: Interdepartmental Collaboration
  • Examine internal team collaboration and external interaction simulations.
  • Refine cross-functional communication strategies.
• Week 10: Leadership Development
  • Engage in leadership exercises and ethical decision-making scenarios.
  • Study conflict resolution and team delegation within simulations.
• Week 11: Contract Compliance
  • Delve into regulatory frameworks using simulated exercises.
  • Map contracts to deliverables and review safeguarding protocols.
• Week 12: Continuous Improvement
  • Evaluate prior simulations for process enhancement.
  • Create improvement proposals based on lessons learned.

Additional Goals

• Expand professional networks within the DoD contracting community.
• Introduce Warfare Systems Business Group programs supporting military operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Transitioning Active-Duty Military ONLY may actively participate within final 180 days of active-duty service. Applications accepted within final 12 months of active-duty military service. Education and Experience dependent on Program of Instruction.

• 4 years relevant experience w/Bachelors; 2 years w/Masters; or HS Diploma/GED w/8 years relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of defense industry practices, regulations, and contractual requirements.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, stakeholders, and team members at all levels.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, with a focus on delivering projects within defined constraints.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a track record of managing risks and making timely, informed judgments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Secret level U.S. Government security clearance is required; U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Requirements

• 8 years relevant experience w/Bachelors; 6 years w/Masters; or HS Diploma/GED w/12 years experience.
• PMP or PMI certification

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements will vary and is dependent on the Program of Instruction.