Principal Program Manager

Responsibilities

• Manage cost, schedule, and system performance for assigned programs.
• Develop strong tools for measuring program progress to effectively report progress to external and internal stakeholders and to enable effective decision making.
• Synchronize efforts of engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure program outcomes are met.
• Ensure program team understands and adheres to the contract scope.
• Develop a strong working relationship with customers and guide programs to exceed customer expectations.
• Cultivate customer and stakeholder relationships to further business opportunities.
• Problem solve and overcome challenges when programs encounter unexpected problems.
• Have or develop a working technical knowledge of the technology being managed to support the development and tracking of progress against the program WBS and to support customer interactions.
• Manage the performance of less experienced Program Managers, setting the standards for program management quality and processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng or a related technical field
• 10-12 years of experience working in a program management role or combined education and work experience
• 5+ years managerial/leadership experience
• 5+ years working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor
• 5+ years experience managing dynamic, challenging technical programs
• Ability to receive a SECRET security clearance

Qualifications

• Experience managing laser or other optical systems development programs
• Experience managing Earned Value Programs
• Master’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng or a related technical field
• 8-10 years of experience working in a program management role
• 7+ years managerial/leadership experience
• 10+ years working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor