Program Manager

About the role

The Project Engineer will lead the execution of complex, government-funded programs delivering innovative autonomous maritime and mission system capabilities. This role oversees program performance across technical scope, schedule, and budget while engaging directly with government customers and guiding multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle from concept development to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Own overall technical, schedule, and cost performance for assigned programs.
• Lead day-to-day and strategic interactions with government customers, serving as a primary point of contact.
• Manage proposal efforts, including strategy, planning, and execution, to secure new program awards and drive program growth initiatives.
• Cook up activities across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure aligned and efficient program execution.
• Drive successful program delivery from early concept development through detailed design, integration, testing, and final delivery.
• Identify program risks across technical, schedule, cost, and supply chain dimensions and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Oversee budgeting and financial management, including earned value and cost tracking, to ensure programs remain within approved budgets.
• Lead schedule development and management, ensuring milestones, dependencies, and critical paths are clearly defined and maintained.
• Manage change orders and contract modifications in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support strategic planning for future programs and technology roadmaps, aligning program execution with broader organizational goals.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineering teams to ensure technical solutions meet customer requirements and program objectives.
• Provide leadership, direction, and clear communication to multidisciplinary teams to maintain focus on quality, performance, and on-time delivery.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of program management experience in defense, aerospace, naval, robotics, or advanced technology environments.
• Proven experience managing complex government-funded programs from initiation through completion.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and technology development programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in program management, including planning, execution, and performance tracking.
• Hands-on experience with budget management and financial oversight for technical programs.
• Proficiency with earned value management and related cost and schedule performance metrics.
• Strong schedule management skills, including development, monitoring, and adjustment of detailed program schedules.
• Experience leading government customer interactions and maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Experience identifying, assessing, and mitigating program risks across technical and operational domains.
• Strategic planning capabilities to support program growth and long-term technology initiatives.
• PMP certification preferred or equivalent demonstrated program management expertise.

Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, maritime platforms, or advanced mission systems is highly beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small, senior-level engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort working on cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous navigation, unmanned operations, advanced controls, and long-duration autonomous platforms.
• Track record of driving innovation, technical ownership, and continuous improvement in program execution.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical and programmatic information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively in an execution-focused culture that emphasizes accountability and results.
• Motivation to influence and shape future programs and technologies rather than focus on legacy systems.

Skills

• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, maritime platforms, or advanced mission systems is highly beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small, senior-level engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort working on cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous navigation, unmanned operations, advanced controls, and long-duration autonomous platforms.
• Track record of driving innovation, technical ownership, and continuous improvement in program execution.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical and programmatic information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively in an execution-focused culture that emphasizes accountability and results.
• Motivation to influence and shape future programs and technologies rather than focus on legacy systems.

Benefits

The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with a 3% matching after one year. There are 2 weeks of PTO to start, which can be negotiated, and 9 paid holidays. The workplace type is a hybrid position in Denver, CO.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $175,000.00 - $200,000.00/yr.

Schedule

The role operates in a hybrid work model, with three days onsite and two days remote each week.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Denver, CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.