Program Manager - Ports and Borders

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead execution of complex Ports & Borders equipment delivery programs from contract award through customer acceptance and operational handoff.
• Serve as the primary customer interface and trusted advisor throughout the program lifecycle.
• Own program cost, schedule, technical performance, risk management, and overall customer satisfaction.
• Create and manage integrated program plans that align Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Installation, Quality, Finance, and Service activities.
• Coordinate logistics, site readiness, installation, commissioning, customer acceptance, and final project closeout activities.
• Lead cross-functional teams in executing contractual obligations and achieving program milestones.
• Ensure products are manufactured, tested, delivered, installed, and accepted according to customer commitments and contractual requirements.
• Manage program budgets, forecasts, profitability, and financial performance while maintaining ownership of program P&L.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while driving timely resolution of issues impacting delivery.
• Support business development activities, proposal efforts, contract negotiations, and growth opportunities with existing and prospective customers.
• Develop executive-level program status reports and present performance updates to customers and senior leadership.
• Monitor program readiness and proactively adjust plans to maintain schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery performance, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and program execution.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, integrity, and execution excellence.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
• Lead program execution through final customer acceptance and payment milestones.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Civil Engineering), Construction Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Project Management, or a related field.
• Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, including significant experience leading complex programs, construction projects, infrastructure deployments, capital equipment delivery, or technical operations.
• 10+ years of experience leading complex programs, projects, product delivery initiatives, construction projects, infrastructure deployments, or large-scale customer implementations.
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams within manufacturing, engineering, technology, construction, infrastructure, industrial, defense, transportation, security technology, or systems integration environments.
• Experience managing customer-facing programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant operational complexity.
• Strong understanding of program financial management, forecasting, budgeting, profitability, earned value principles, and business performance metrics.
• Experience coordinating manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, construction, installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance activities.
• Strong negotiation, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Pioneering ability to influence and lead within a matrixed organization without direct authority.
• Experience working in regulated industries or environments with strict compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and modern project management tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, MRP/ERP systems, and configuration management principles.
• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
• Ability to obtain required customer and site access credentials, including U.S. Public Trust eligibility and customer security vetting requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
• PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), or equivalent project/program management certification.
• Experience delivering Ports & Borders inspection systems, cargo inspection equipment, vehicle screening systems, X-ray imaging systems, radiation detection equipment, industrial automation systems, or other complex capital equipment.
• Experience supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), international customs agencies, border security organizations, or similar government customers.
• Experience leading infrastructure, transportation, port, border crossing, airport, or government-funded projects.
• Knowledge of installation, commissioning, service, warranty, and lifecycle support operations.
• Experience obtaining permits, licenses, certifications, and customer approvals required for complex equipment deployments.
• Experience supporting proposal development, contract execution, and business growth initiatives.
• Experience leading international projects and working within highly matrixed organizations.
• Understanding of global business operations within highly regulated markets.