Job SummaryThe
Sr. Program Manager is an individual contributor who leads integrated product team (IPTs) through the lifecycle of a program. The Sr. Program Manager will coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to guide a program from initial bid to the customer through completion. The program manager (PM) is the quarterback of the integrated product team and ensures all functional roles are working together effectively towards the program goals. A successful candidate will have deep experience managing cost, schedule, and system performance to ensure customer and business outcomes are met. This role also requires managing the Bill of Materials (BOM), refining and managing product specifications with the support of the engineering team, owning the integrated master schedule (IMS), defining the work breakdown structure (WBS), and making cost estimations throughout the program's life. This Sr. Program Manager will work with customers on a recurring basis to provide updates on program performance.
The PM serves as the central integration point across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and business development. Success requires strong technical fluency, disciplined program execution, proactive risk management, and clear communication with demanding defense and commercial customers.
Responsibilities- Lead program execution from sales handoff through delivery.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for technical and schedule updates.
- Maintain integrated schedules, execution plans, and cross-functional alignment.
- Own program financials: revenue, cost, margin, forecasting, and corrective actions.
- Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, supply chain, and financial risks.
- Drive cross-functional performance in a matrixed environment.
- Manage scope and contract changes.
- Deliver required program documentation and reporting.
- Resolve technical and quality issues with internal teams and customers.
- Support proposals, vendor evaluations, feasibility reviews, and follow-on opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, regulatory, and export-control requirements.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials, Business, Finance or related discipline.
- 5-7 years of experience working in a program or product management role.
- 7+ years of experience working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor.
- Experience leading technically complex or developmental programs.
- Proven cross-functional leadership in a matrixed environment.
- Exceptional communication skills.
- Must be eligible to obtain a DoD SECRET Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Engineering, Materials, or related technical discipline.
- 7+ years of experience working in a program or product management role.
- 10+ years of experience working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments.
- Strong executive-level presentation skills.
