Senior Principal Program Manager

Job Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of complex customer and internal development and production programs, establishing integrated schedules, budgets, resource plans, and program estimates.
Manage programs throughout the full lifecycle, ensuring successful execution of scope, schedule, cost, quality, and contractual requirements for domestic and international customers.
Identify, evaluate, and manage program scope changes while ensuring appropriate approvals and successful implementation.
Ensure the timely delivery of all program milestones, customer deliverables, and required documentation.
Proactively identify program risks and opportunities, develop mitigation strategies, and escalate critical issues to leadership when appropriate.
Partner with functional leaders to define and secure the resources necessary for successful program execution.
Support business development activities by leading or contributing to Requests for Proposal (RFPs), including program planning, cost and schedule estimates, compliance matrices, bid reviews, and proposal documentation.
Develop Statements of Work (SOWs) and oversee subcontractor performance, as required.
Present program status, financial performance, key performance indicators (KPIs), risks, and critical path updates to executive leadership on a regular basis.
Serve as the primary customer interface, fostering strong relationships while driving customer satisfaction through proactive communication, issue resolution, obsolescence management, and in-service support.
Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Contracts, Program Planning, and Business Development to ensure alignment and successful program execution across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, program management, or another related technical discipline
• Typically requires 10+ years of program or project management experience supporting development and/or production programs within the aerospace, defense, or space industry
• Demonstrated experience leading both development and production programs throughout the product lifecycle
• Experience managing U.S. Government contracts, including Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), contract execution, and program performance reporting
• Proven ability to lead production development programs and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship management skills with both internal and external stakeholders
• Proficiency with program scheduling and planning tools, including Microsoft Project or similar software

Preferred Qualifications

• Program Management certification (PMP)
• Experience using collaboration and documentation platforms such as Confluence and SharePoint
• Experience managing programs within a matrixed, multi-site organization
• Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. export control regulations
• Previous experience serving as the primary interface for external customers and government stakeholders