Senior Program Manager

Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7-15 years of engineering experience with strong leadership and account management skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
  • Personnel and project management experience is essential.
  • Desirable experience managing $4-$8 million accounts.
  • Strong foundation in engineering services and technical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a team of 30-60 indirect and 6-10 direct employees.
  • Develop a customer-focused engineering program and oversee its growth.
  • Build and maintain customer relationships to ensure consistent workload.
  • Follow company policies for employee performance management and training.
  • Manage all financial and operational aspects including revenue generation and invoicing.

Benefits

  • Competitive pay with comprehensive medical, dental, life, and disability coverage.
  • 401(k) with employer match and professional development support.
  • Flexible, friendly workplace that promotes teamwork and innovation.
Full Job Description
The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for managing and developing a customer-focused program of engineers with a wide range of experience and expertise, as well as building and managing customer relationships to ensure workload pipeline is full. This position requires strong team leadership, relationship management, and account management skills. The ideal candidate will have 7-15 years of experience in the engineering industry and project management. Due to the nature of this role, applicants must be a US Citizen and able to obtain a security clearance. This role is onsite in Cincinnati, OH. Responsibilities: - Personnel management of a team of 30-60 indirect and 6-10 direct employees - Manage and develop a customer-focused program of engineers with a wide range of experience and expertise - Build and manage customer relationships to ensure workload pipeline is full, develop and execute strategies for team growth - Follow all company policies and procedures to ensure proper employee performance and development (metrics, performance reviews, training plans, etc.) - Coordinate growth strategy planning and execution with customer-specific account management teams - Manage all financial and operational aspects of the position, including revenue generation, growth, invoicing, manpower utilization, margin, etc. - Track and report metrics for your organization's performance, including customer satisfaction, earned value, quality, employee engagement and retention, and financial KPIs - Monitor and improve program health governance structure - Manage recruitment initiatives with hiring managers on the team, participate in interviews and onboarding of technical staff - Support proposal development of new tasks (solution development, cost structure, schedule, and scope) - Develop internal processes and procedures based on best practices and lessons learned, where applicable - Collaborate with resource managers internally and externally to staff projects and ensure workload continuity - Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve a wide range of challenging engineering problems. - This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other tasks as assigned. Qualifications: - 7-15 years of experience in the engineering industry with strong team leadership/relationship management/account management experience. - Bachelor's degree in a related field - Personnel and project management experience are required - Experience managing business of $4 - $8 million account is desirable - Strong foundation / experience in engineering services. - Hands-on experience with solving technical problems and leading cross-functional teams (CFT's) - Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills - Effective in executive management presentations - Excellent networking and relationship-building skills - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Ability to forge relationships and build trust both within and external to the organization - Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new methods, techniques, and approaches - US Citizen required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level US DoD security clearance Preferred skills: - Experience in design & analysis requirements - Experience with working on military aircraft/aero-engines and associated standards - Gas Turbine and Defense industry preferred. - Work well in a team-oriented, collaborative environment - Are meticulously detail-oriented - Enjoy people and dynamic teams with diverse experiences. - Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement. Physical Requirements & Work Environment: - Mostly office environments - Heavily regulated industries with strict adherence to procedures The QDSS Advantage: At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. What You'll Find Here - Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. - Growth That's Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. - A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued. Benefits Include - Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications Pay Ranges $110,000-$135,000 USD

About Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. Careers

Joining Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of an elite team of professionals specializing in defense technology and solutions. This is a pivotal time to contribute to a company that values innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Career Opportunities and Growth

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The company is dedicated to the professional growth and continuous career development of all team members. From leadership roles to entry-level positions, Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to high-stakes projects.

Innovative Work Environment

At Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc., innovation is at the core of everything they do. The team is tasked with developing advanced solutions that keep them at the forefront of the defense industry. Employees at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries to achieve the best results.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. offers robust internship programs that provide hands-on experience in a highly supportive environment. Internships are a great way to build your resume, develop new skills, and gain valuable industry insight. Many interns move on to full-time positions, making this a great gateway to a career with Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Diversity and Inclusion

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company believes that diversity fuels innovation and creates a stronger team. Diversity training is integral to their culture, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Benefits and Culture

The culture at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is built on a foundation of respect and integrity. Employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. These benefits include health care, retirement plans, and paid time off, among others. The supportive culture ensures that everyone feels valued and can perform at their best.

Networking and Professional Development

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. emphasizes the importance of professional development and networking. Employees are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and are provided with numerous opportunities for advancement. Career development programs and leadership training are just a few of the resources available to help employees meet their career goals.

Join the Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. Team

Explore the career pages to find open positions that match your skills and interests. Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. is looking for dedicated, curious, and innovative team players. Start your journey by applying today and prepare for a series of interviews where you can showcase your capabilities.

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Explore Jobs at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Whether you're seeking a position in engineering, management, or support, Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. has opportunities that can lead to a rewarding career. Join a team that is dedicated to protecting and empowering global operations through innovative solutions and technologies.
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