Detachment Program Manager
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
Job Summary:
The Detachment Program Manager (Det PM) will support the Air Force Utilities Privatization and Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) programs. This role focuses on strategic program management, long-range planning, and execution integration across electric, water, wastewater, and gas systems, supporting both privatized and non-privatized utilities.
The Det PM will serve as a key integrator between government stakeholders, utility providers, AE teams, and internal Salas O’Brien leadership, ensuring projects are planned, sequenced, and programmed effectively to support mission growth and long-term predictability. This position offers significant leadership responsibility, visibility with senior government stakeholders, and the opportunity to influence enterprise-level infrastructure decisions.
Responsibilities:
Directs or assists utilities and energy privatization programs, projects, and management systems related to the planning, analysis, implementation and lifecycle and portfolio management of energy-related EULs
Serve as the primary program management interface supporting AFCEC utilities and infrastructure initiatives
Manage and track multiple installation-level utility projects across electric, water, wastewater, and gas systems
Translate infrastructure studies, assessments, and lessons learned into executable actions and leadership decision points
Support long-range utility planning and load forecasting aligned with FYDP and POM horizons
Coordinate project sequencing to ensure the right projects are executed by the appropriate entities at the right time
Interface with privatized utility providers, cooperatives, and system owners to align planning assumptions and constraints
Track RFIs, action items, risks, and dependencies across technical and stakeholder teams
Identify risks related to capacity, resiliency, environmental compliance (e.g., NEPA), and long-lead equipment
Develop executive-level briefings, white papers, and decision support materials
Support governance forums, technical interchange meetings, and working groups
Provide schedule, cost, and risk visibility to support leadership decision-making
Support continuous process improvement and lessons-learned documentation
Qualifications and Experience:
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience with AFCEC, Base Civil Engineer (BCE) organizations, or utilities privatization programs
Familiarity with NEPA, MILCON vs non-MILCON programming, and federal infrastructure planning processes
Experience with long-range infrastructure studies, resiliency planning, or load forecasting
PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or similar professional certification
Active or ability to obtain a Secret clearance
Location: Remote – West Coast
Travel: Approximately 25%-30%
Compensation:
The expected base salary range for this role is $125,000-$140,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and company holidays
Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Qualifications
Education
Required
Bachelors or better.
Bachelors or better.
Experience
Required
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.