Program Manager

Position Details

As a PM, you will own the execution of multiple concurrent efforts across our government and internal Research and Development portfolio. Your programs will span USG contracts and associated IRADs — technically complex, cross-functional, and high-stakes. You will be accountable for cost, schedule, performance, and stakeholder relationships from kickoff through delivery. This is a mid/senior individual contributor role. You will not be handed a playbook. You will write one, run it, and improve it. We are looking for someone who brings structure to ambiguity, drives action without losing people, and treats program execution as a craft.

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 glide-paths 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.
• Hands-on experience with task management or PM tool used at the sub-task 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.

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, systems engineering, management, or a related technical field.
• Active Secret clearance, or clearable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with propulsion systems, energetics, aerospace hardware, or test-driven development programs.
• Background supporting hardware build, integration, and test campaigns.
• Prior experience at a defense tech startup or early-stage aerospace company.
• Experience building PM infrastructure from scratch: templates, cadences, risk registers, dashboards.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% coverage for dependents under select plans, with additional options for PPO and HDHP plans.
• Dental and Vision Plans: Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage options, including preventive care, orthodontics, and allowances for contacts and frames.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free, confidential services, including counseling, legal consultations, wellness coaching, and virtual concierge services to support your work-life balance.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Enjoy a 9/80 schedule option, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance.
• On-Site Perks: Complimentary snacks and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Professional Growth: Mentorship opportunities with industry-leading engineers and engagement in cutting-edge projects at the forefront of aerospace innovation.