Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex aerospace and defense programs from initial concept through design, development, manufacturing, and delivery. This role will serve as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams, ensuring successful execution of high-impact, technically complex programs.
The ideal candidate has a strong engineering foundation combined with proven program management experience in aerospace or defense environments. This individual will drive cross-functional collaboration, manage program cost/schedule/technical performance, and lead teams through the full lifecycle of production programs. Senior Program Managers are responsible for aligning technical execution with business objectives while delivering programs on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead full program lifecycle execution: concept, design, development, manufacturing, testing, and delivery
- Own program performance across cost, schedule, technical scope, and risk management
- Drive execution of complex engineering and production programs in aerospace/defense environments
- Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and operations
- Serve as primary customer interface, managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Develop and maintain program plans, budgets, schedules, and resource allocations
- Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure program success
- Support proposal development, business strategy, and new program growth initiatives
- Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements
Key Skills
- Strong leadership and cross-functional team management
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Deep understanding of engineering development and manufacturing processes
- Program planning, budgeting, and risk management expertise
- Ability to translate technical complexity into executable program plans
Required Qualifications:
- United States Citizenship
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related field)
- 3+ years of experience working as an engineer in a professional environment (aerospace/defense preferred)
- 5+ years of program or project management experience within aerospace, space, or defense organizations
- Proven experience managing complex design and manufacturing programs
- Strong experience leading cross-functional teams in technical environments
- Demonstrated ability to deliver programs from development through production
Preferred Experience
- PMP (Project Management Professional) certification
- Experience working with DoD, space systems, or defense prime contractors
- Background in production, hardware development, or high-reliability systems
- Familiarity with program management tools (e.g., scheduling, cost tracking, risk management systems)