Become Part of the Torch.AI Journey!

Torch.AI is a defense focused AI-software company. Unlike traditional government contractors, our team of experts takes calculated risks to self-fund R&D behind the scenes and then sells complete products "off-the-shelf" to mission owners for flexible, user-defined configuration completed by our solutions engineering teams. We conduct deep research into understanding how AI and new data infrastructures can improve a growing array of national defense needs. This allows us to go from ideation to full capability deployment in weeks and months, instead of years.

Today, we help improve national security, protect our warfighters, eliminate fraud, reduce risk, and enable better customer experiences. We’re passionate about solving complex problems. Join us in our mission to help organizations Unlock Human Potential.  

The U.S. defense and national security industry offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the safety and well-being of the nation while engaging with cutting-edge technologies. As a vital sector that shapes global stability, it offers a dynamic environment to tackle complex challenges across multidisciplinary domains. With substantial investment in innovation, the industry is at the forefront of developing AI, autonomous systems, and advanced national security solutions, each founded on the premise that information is the new battlefield. If this type of work is of interest, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role: Unlock Your Potential

As a Technical Program Manager at Torch.AI, you will be the at the center of facilitating the connection of our technology development with delivery of solutions to our customers effectively and on time in support of a variety of U.S. defense and national security programs and projects. Each of our customers requires a unique set of technical needs and differentiated capabilities to remove existing obstacles such as manual-intensive data analysis and cognitive burden to ensure mission success. Our modular end-to-end data infrastructure platform supports a wide variety of military functions and operations. We configure enterprise-grade solutions to meet the specialized needs of our customers and encourage company-wide collaboration to share context, skills, and expertise across a variety of tools, technologies, and development practices. Our platform enables customer-specific solution teams to rapidly design, configure, and deploy data architectures tailored to meet specific operational and analytical requirements.

In this role, you’ll orchestrate complex project plans across government stakeholders and cross-functional solutions and product development teams, which include a mix of defense and national security experts, U.S. veterans, and experienced AI/ML, software, and data engineers. You will leverage your expertise in project planning and operations to manage customer schedules, contract milestones, risk and mitigation strategies, and administrative activities—billing and compliance items—to translate technical concepts and business priorities into actionable project plans. Successful candidates thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven environment. You’ll be encouraged to think creatively, challenge conventional approaches, and identify alternative approaches to delivering customer value across complex problem sets. Your day-to-day workflow will vary, adapting to the requirements of our customers and the technical needs of respective use cases. One day, you may be supporting the kick-off for a new customer program; another you may be working across cross-functional engineering teams to ensure delivery schedules are met; the next you may be working directly with customers to understand their requirements with deep intellectual curiosity.  

What Sets This Role Apart

• Our decentralized operating model puts every employee at the forefront of our customers’ missions. You’ll work within and across small customer-account solutions teams and product development teams.
• We value customer intimacy, unique perspectives, and dedication to delivering lasting impact and results. You’ll have the opportunity to work on the frontlines of major customer programs and influence lasting success for Torch.AI and your teammates.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from designing and demonstrating early capabilities and prototypes to deploying large-scale production systems.
• You’ll directly contribute in helping Torch.AI continue to position as a leader in data infrastructure AI in the market and compete against multi-billion dollar incumbents and high-tech AI companies.
• We develop solutions directly supporting our nation’s warfighters and national security and prosperity; the impact of your work is directly visible.

Critical Skills

• 4 to 6 years of experience in technical program management or adjacent roles (e.g., product management, project management, solutions engineering, operations, strategy, etc.) with a track record of successfully delivering complex technical programs.
• Familiarity with the business impacts of technical subject matters and methodologies, including software development lifecycles, application programming interfaces, and AI and data.
• Manage customer project plans and collaborate with business, product, and engineering leaders to define and document project requirements, scopes, timelines, and milestones.
• Support product and engineering teams in sprint planning, including the tracking of epics, user stories, projects, and backlog items within Microsoft Azure DevOps.
• Track and manage client project resource allocation, coordinate with finance and operations teams to manage and maintain project budgets, track expenses, and ensure financial accountability.  
• Proactively identify potential risks and issues which may impact project timelines, deliverables, and milestones. Develop and implement mitigation strategies, as appropriate.
• Oversee the quality of project deliverables, ensuring they meet the required standards and specifications. Implement quality control processes as needed.
• Innovative project management style focused on agile frameworks facilitating swift iteration, while seamlessly integrating with broader development structures.

What We Value

• PMP, Scrum Master, or other relevant project management certifications preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure DevOps and other relevant project management tools and technologies.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proven ability to “manage up” across Torch.AI leadership and simultaneously coordinate across technical team members.
• Industry experience, preferably within the defense industry and/or intelligence community or related sectors (not strictly required, but encouraged).
• Subject matter expertise and proven success within the market segment.
• Aptitude for working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Employee will potentially be a CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) or higher classification user and must complete specific training and policy notification prior to exposure. 
• Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for clients, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Represent Torch.AI and provide project updates during customer stand-ups, as appropriate.
• Support customer onboarding to our platform, coordinating across client users and internal product and engineering account teams
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams.
• Proficient in technical concepts and skilled at communicating technical requirements to individuals from various technical backgrounds and roles. 
• Exceptional judgment and composure in high-pressure scenarios.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish relationships with customer-facing teams and a deep understanding of end-users' requirements.
• Diligent attention to detail, ensuring alignment with the team's vision and upholding stringent product quality standards.

A Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required for this role. If you do not currently hold a clearance, but are interested in this work, other opportunities may be available. We encourage you to review other job postings and submit an application. 

We are headquartered in Leawood, KS. This role will directly support customers in the Arlington, VA region. 

Candidates in the Arlington, VA region can work remotely while not on customer site. Candidates in the Leawood, KS region may require 25-50% travel to customer sites. 

Incentives

• Equity: All employees become eligible to participate in the company equity incentive program within their first 12  months of employment. We are proud that 100% of our employees are equity-owning partners at Torch.AI.
• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus opportunities.
• Unlimited PTO.
• 11 paid holidays each year.
• Incredible chance for professional advancement in a rapidly scaling high-tech environment and exciting industry.
• Weekly in-office catering in our Leawood HQ.
• Relocation assistance to Leawood, KS available. 

Benefits

Torch.AI values employee well-being and, in turn, offers exceptional benefits options which greatly exceed regional and national averages for similar companies. 

401k Plan

• Torch.AI offers a 401k plan through John Hancock. While the company does not offer employee matching, we do offer 3% profit sharing for all employees who elect to participate in the 401k plan. Profit sharing is calculated based on company performance at the end of each calendar year and distributed to 401k accounts at the start of each calendar year.

Medical 

• Three medical options: PPO, HSA, and TRICARE.
• Torch.AI’s HSA contribution is 250%–350% higher than average employer contributions in Kansas City and Arlington regions.
• Only ~18% of employers offer TRICARE Supplement plans. 

Spending Accounts

• Above-market employer funding and flexibility.
• HSA: Triple-tax advantage
• FSA: $50-$3,300 annual contribution, $660 rollover
• Dependent Care FSA: $100-$5,000, pre-tax savings on child/dependent care.

Dental 

• High Plan annual maximum is ~2.6x higher than the national average. 
• High Renaissance Plan: $5,000 annual max, 50% ortho up to $1,000.
• Low Renaissance Plan: $1,000 annual max, no ortho.

Vision 

• Frame allowance is 25-35% higher than typical employer-sponsored plans.
• Vision through Renaissance with VSP Choice network: $0 exams, lenses covered in full, and $180 frame allowance

Life Insurance

• Employer-paid 1x base salary and additional voluntary options for employees and spouses, compared to most employers who only cover $50k basic life on average.

Disability & Illness 

• Torch.AI ranks in the top 10% of regional employers for disability benefits 
• Short-Term Disability (employer paid): 60% income, up to $2,000/week
• Long-Term Disability (employer paid): 60% income, up to $5,000/month

Voluntary Benefits

• Robust Voluntary plans offer direct pash payout flexibility and wellness incentives.
• Accidental Insurance
• Critical Illness
• Hospital Indemnity
• Commuter Benefits: up to $300/month tax-free for transit/parking

Torch.AI is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

JOB CODE: 1000080