Program Manager-(Hybrid- Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD)

Technical Program Manager – Fielding & Development (SATCOM) Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD Type: Hybrid (Up to 40 hours/week in-office as needed) Salary Range: $125,000 – $158,000 Target Recruiting Area: Mid-Atlantic Region About Fairwinds Technologies Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide. Position Overview Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead execution across a portfolio of mixed‑signal R&D and IR&D efforts spanning RF systems, FPGA/firmware, software control, and integration/test activities. This role is focused on program execution, engineering cadence, and decision flow—ensuring technical teams are aligned, dependencies are managed, risks are mitigated, and engineering progress results in measurable, evidence‑based outcomes. The TPM is not the technical authority but must be technically fluent enough to follow architecture discussions, manage cross‑disciplinary dependencies, and effectively translate engineering activity into actionable plans and leadership‑ready reporting. This position supports multiple efforts, including DIU task orders and other international deployment initiatives, and reports under the R&D Programs Director. Key Responsibilities Program Execution & CadenceLead program execution across multiple mixed‑signal R&D and IR&D effortsMaintain integrated schedules, milestones, and cross‑team dependenciesFacilitate recurring engineering cadence (standups, reviews, integration readiness, risk reviews)Drive action closure and capture technical and programmatic decisionsArchitecture Trade & Decision SupportManage architecture trade studies, including option development, assumptions, decision criteria, and recommendation packagesCoordinate internal and customer‑facing technical reviewsEnsure assumptions, constraints, and decisions are documented and traceableProgram CoordinationCoordinate international logistics, shipping, customs, and export compliance with vendors and partnersSupport travel planning and deployment team coordinationInterface with government reps, local partners, host-nation entities, and commercial site ownersTrack equipment inventory and configuration across deployment sitesAssist in contingency planning for delays, access issues, or emergent operational risksLogistics & International OperationsCoordinate international shipping, customs, and export compliance activitiesSupport travel planning and deployment team coordinationInterface with government representatives, local partners, and host organizationsTrack equipment inventory and configuration at each siteSupport contingency planning for deployment delays or site issuesRisk & Issue ManagementMaintain deployment risk and issue trackingIdentify site readiness or partner execution risks and develop mitigation strategiesElevate critical blockers affecting deployment schedulesCoordinate technical troubleshooting between engineering teams and on-site personnelFinancial & Reporting SupportTrack labor and travel expenditures against planSupport bi-weekly program status reportingAssist with task order execution trackingMaintain deployment documentation and configuration records Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (or master’s degree) in Engineering, Telecommunications, Operations Management, Logistics or related fields.Minimum 8+ years of experience in program management, project management, or operations coordinationExperience managing cross‑disciplinary teams (RF, FPGA/firmware, software, integration/test)Proven ability to manage ambiguity and early‑stage technical developmentAbility to manage multiple concurrent activities and stakeholdersStrong communication and organizational skillsWillingness to travel internationallyU.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret/ SCI security clearance (or ability to obtain). Additional Preferred Qualifications Satellite communications, RF systems, networking, or telecom backgroundFamiliarity with government or defense programsExperience with logistics or supply chain coordinationExperience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government-funded R&D efforts.Experience with mixed‑signal, RF, FPGA‑based, or embedded systems programsFamiliarity with architecture trade studies and TRL‑based development Supervisory Responsibility This position requires direct supervisory responsibility. Work Environment This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Some remote/hybrid work is also possible. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered. Travel Must be willing to travel 25–50% (International deployment travel required) Work Authorization/Security Clearance Must be eligible to work in the US and possess a Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance. Other Duties Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. AAP/EEO Statement Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Why Join Us Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects, includingDoD SBIR initiatives.Collaborative and inclusive work environment.Competitive salary and benefits package.Professional development and growth opportunities.