Program Manager

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end execution across multiple concurrent programs — USG contracts, SBIRs, and IRADs — managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk simultaneously.
• Define and drive program approach and glidepaths at contract startup, building structure quickly and with intent.
• Build and maintain a task-level program structure in a PM tool (JIRA, Planner, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project or equivalent) that keeps cross-functional teams focused on the right work, at the right time, on the right timeline.
• Lead cross-functional coordination across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing ops, and external suppliers or subcontractors.
• Own USG customer relationships — communication, CDRL delivery, milestone reporting, and status briefs. Direct, accurate, no surprises.
• Surface and mitigate program risk proactively. Problems come with mitigation plans attached.
• Translate technical and programmatic complexity into clear, actionable status for leadership and government stakeholders.
• Manage supplier and partner performance tracking, technical coordination, and delivery accountability.
• Introduce and sustain PM process that works for team members. Make the structure an asset, not overhead.
• Report program progress and flag impacts of scope or schedule changes to leadership with speed and clarity.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of program or project management experience in aerospace, defense, or complex hardware development environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent programs or workstreams independently, with accountability for outcomes.
• Hand-on experience with task management or PM tool used at the subtask level — not just milestone tracking.
• Experience managing USG contracts (SBIR, OTA, or formal contract types) including customer-facing deliverables, milestone management, and contracting relationships.
• Experience delivering all major design reviews from Kickoff to Closeout (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.).
• Strong cross-functional coordination skills — engineering, supply chain, and ops simultaneously.
• Proven ability to set up and run programs with minimal direction, especially at startup or in ambiguous environments.
• Crisp communicator in both directions translates technical complexity up to leadership and government customers, and program priorities down to the team.
• High tolerance for pace and ambiguity. Recovers fast, adapts faster.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.