Project Lead 2 - TSA Modernization

Lead strategic modernization workstreams, senior client engagements, and team execution

BMNT is seeking an experienced Project Lead 2 to own and scale critical workstreams within our Transportation Security Administration (TSA) portfolio. This role sits at the operational center of TSA’s strategic transformation, supporting the Modernization and Mission Models Directors while driving seamless integration with the Chief Innovation Officer (CInO) team.

In this seat, you will be a trusted advisor to senior government leadership, translating executive vision into operational reality. You will lead end-to-end modernization efforts—spanning problem prioritization, commercial discovery, capability experimentation, and acquisition transition—while directing and mentoring a dedicated BMNT delivery team of Project Lead 1s, Senior Analysts, and Analysts.

What You’ll Actually Do

Own Major Modernization Workstreams

Lead complex, multi-faceted modernization initiatives supporting Horizon 25 Tiger Teams and TSA Administrator priorities from inception through operational transition.

Drive Senior Executive Engagement

Serve as the primary client-facing lead for senior TSA leadership, program managers, and component directors. Build deep trust, challenge assumptions constructively, and guide executive decision-making.

Lead Capability Prioritization & Experimentation

Evaluate, structure, and prioritize emerging commercial technologies. Design and execute rapid experimentation frameworks, prototype evaluations, and operational pilots to validate solutions in real-world environments.

Navigate Non-Traditional Procurement

Work with government and industry partners to align modern capabilities with fast-track acquisition pathways, non-traditional procurement vehicles, and commercial transition strategies.

Direct & Mentor Delivery Teams

Lead an integrated BMNT team of PL 1s, Senior Analysts, and Analysts. Delegate effectively, set delivery standards, provide hands-on coaching, and ensure high-polished output across all client deliverables.

Synthesize Enterprise Strategy

Bridge high-level executive priorities with front-line execution across the Mission Models, Modernization, and CInO Directorates, ensuring all workstreams directly drive measurable operational outcomes.

Who Thrives in This Seat

You bring deep engagement & modernization tradecraft

You have 8+ years of professional experience (or 4+ years at BMNT/consulting) driving public sector modernization, technology translation, or government innovation programs.

You hold the room with senior leaders

You are comfortable briefing political appointees, SES executives, and General Officers in the morning, and coaching commercial startup founders in the afternoon.

You understand technology transition

You know how commercial capabilities move from market discovery to field experimentation to structured procurement, and you know where government adoption typically stalls.

You are an empowering team leader

You know how to manage up, across, and down—guiding PL 1s and analysts to deliver exceptional work without micromanaging.

You do 25 to 40 percent of the talking

You treat discovery as a discipline, asking sharp questions and synthesizing complex policy, technical, and operational constraints into actionable problem statements.

You thrive in ambiguity and move fast

You bring order to chaos, anticipate delivery risks early, and maintain an relentless obsession with operational outcomes over 'innovation theater.'

The Details

Location

Hybrid out of Arlington, VA / TSA HQ (Springfield, VA) — 2 to 3 days per week in-office or client site, with additional presence required during key executive workshops or operational tests.

Compensation

$119,000 to $151,000 and determined by location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Eligibility & Clearance

U.S. Citizenship required. Active DHS Public Trust / Fitness Determination or DoD Secret clearance is highly beneficial, but not required to start.

Team Structure

Directs an integrated delivery team consisting of PL 1s, Senior Analysts, and Analysts while reporting to the Program Manager / Director.