Job Summary

The Advanced Programs Group at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is looking for a Program Manager with a strong engineering background who will be supporting research and development for next generation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This position reports to a Program Director and is responsible for the planning, managing and technical performance of one or more development program(s). This position leads all phases of assigned program(s) from initiation through delivery, and applies established technologies using standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems. This role accomplishes objectives through management of a diverse team as well as contributing as an individual when necessary. You will be responsible for decisions that could impact business unit outcomes where erroneous decisions could cause serious schedule delays and expenditure of additional time and resources.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
• Develop and coordinate program plans for internal research and development and/or for contracted development efforts for external customers.
• Collaborate with technical staff, group, and executive management to develop and implement short, medium, and long term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives.
• Work with Engineering to establish technical requirements, concepts, critical designs, and evaluation criteria to enable the successful completion of engineering efforts required for product research, development, integration, test, and evaluation.
• Interact with internal and external stakeholders at various levels to resolve technical, cost, and/or scheduling issues. Act as the primary contact for program risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Manage the preparation of proposals, business plans, statements of work, technical specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract(s). Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations and modifications.
• Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by participating in the planning, recruitment, retention, and development of the people resources required to execute program(s).
• Act as the primary customer contact for program activities and lead program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance as required.
• Assist with the pursuit of new or expanded business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the Group/Company and may result in new products, programs and business opportunities.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex program administration experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practice as well as program management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must be able to develop solutions to problems that require coordination of technologies across program requirements.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Must be Customer-focused, able to work on a self-initiated basis in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.

Desirable characteristics for this role include any of the following:

• Previous experience leading Internal Research & Design (IR&D) efforts or contracted programs
• Previous experience as a Project or Systems Engineer
• Previous experience as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead on a development effort
• Business or Technical Management degree in addition to a technical degree
• Previous experience as voting member of a Configuration Control Board (CCB) or a Material Review Board (MRB)
• Previous experience as a signatory for engineering drawing release and/or change authorization