8+ years of program/project management experience, or a B.S. with 4 years of relevant experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Demonstrated expertise in Department of Defense and military branches.
Strong familiarity with project management software and methodologies.
Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Responsibilities
Lead and oversee all phases of assigned programs from inception to completion.
Coordinate program activities across internal teams to meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
Monitor program progress and communicate status, risks, and issues to leadership.
Identify program risks and support mitigation planning.
Serve as the main point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders.
Benefits
Support for continuous improvement efforts related to program execution.
Opportunity to work collaboratively with technical and operational teams.
Engagement in customer meetings and program reviews.
Access to professional development opportunities, including potential PMP certification support.
Full Job Description
JOB TITLE: PROGRAM MANAGER I
DEPARTMENT: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
REPORTS TO: PROGRAM MANAGER III
CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT
PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Program Manager I will lead and oversee all phases of assigned programs from inception to completion, ensuring the successful execution to meet business and financial goals. This role involves being accountable for the cost, schedule, and technical performance of all production programs. The Program Manager I will act as the main point of contact for customers, lead program reviews, establish design and development criteria, monitor progress against master plans, and direct the efforts of technical, manufacturing, and administrative staff assigned to the programs.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support the execution of assigned programs from inception through completion to help achieve business, operational, and financial objectives.
Coordinate program activities across internal teams to support scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
Assist in developing and maintaining program plans, schedules, budgets, action trackers, and related documentation.
Monitor program progress against established milestones and communicate status, risks, and issues to leadership.
Help identify program risks, support mitigation planning, and escalate concerns as appropriate.
Participate in customer meetings, program reviews, and internal cross-functional meetings.
Serve as a point of contact for internal stakeholders and support customer communication as assigned.
Track deliverables, commitments, and action items to help ensure timely program execution.
Support change management activities, including updates to schedule, scope, resources, and priorities.
Coordinate with finance and leadership to support budget tracking, cost visibility, and program reporting.
Assist in ensuring program execution aligns with contractual requirements, internal procedures, and company standards.
Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and metrics for senior leadership and customer reviews.
Work collaboratively with technical and operational teams to help resolve issues affecting program performance.
Maintain accurate program records and documentation throughout the program lifecycle.
Support continuous improvement efforts related to program execution, communication, and reporting.
Perform other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
Prior experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or a highly regulated industry.
Familiarity with government contracts, program reporting, or customer-driven deliverables.
Exposure to project or program management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar platforms.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or progress toward certification preferred.
Experience with NAVAIR or other DoD-related programs preferred.
Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, or other applicable contract compliance requirements preferred.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
8+ years of related Program/project Management experience. B.S. + 4 years of demonstrated experience in Program Management may be considered. Degree should be focused on Business, Engineering, IT, Computer Science, or other related fields. An A.S. + 6 years of relevant Program management may be considered
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Demonstrated expertise in Department of Defense, US, and other military branches
Knowledge and experience in Aerospace or Defense Industry
Strong familiarity with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices
Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent analytical skills
Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful
Leadership and team management
Project planning and execution
Financial and budget management
Risk management and problem-solving
Strong communication and negotiation
Technical knowledge in defense manufacturing
Proven ability to solve problems creatively
Excellent customer interface and communication skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Primarily office/desk-based work using standard office equipment.
May require occasional meetings outside standard hours to support audit/assessment timelines.
Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer and other office productivity tools.
