Senior Program Manager

About the Role

American Rheinmetall (AR) is seeking a dynamic Senior Program Manager to lead the execution of high-velocity tactical programs focused on robotic and autonomous wheeled vehicle systems for the U.S. Armed Forces. This role sits at the intersection of cutting-edge defense technology and operational excellence, driving programs from contract award through delivery in fast-paced, mission-critical environments. You will serve as the primary program leader responsible for planning, executing, and delivering autonomous ground vehicle programs on schedule and within budget.

You will orchestrate complex, multi-disciplinary efforts across Rheinmetall's global enterprise—collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and business development teams—while managing relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and government customers. This position demands a leader who thrives in rapid-cycle development programs, balances technical complexity with programmatic discipline, and excels at stakeholder management across military, industry, and internal boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Direct support to the Tactical Programs Director.
• End-to-end program management of autonomous/robotic wheeled vehicle contracts.
• Cross-functional leadership spanning engineering, production, and business operations.
• Subcontractor and supplier coordination and performance management.
• Customer engagement with U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and other service branches.
• Rapid prototyping, testing, and fielding in compressed timelines.
• Financial management, earned value, and contract compliance.
• Lead a team by example, ensuring adherence to all agreed process and operating procedures.
• Support the continued development and maturation of AR Program Management tools and processes.
• Contribute toward AR Capture and Proposal teams in the development of compliant and winning proposals.
• Manage program data elements to ensure on-time delivery to the USG customer, and maintain configuration of documents using Company Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.
• Generate program metrics to support monitoring and control.
• Continuous improvement of processes/efficiencies as well as product portfolio.
• Travel in the US and abroad as required (up to 25% travel).
• Undertake other duties as tasked by the Program Director or their delegate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assist with mentoring Program Managers and Program Management Specialists within the Tactical Programs team.

Requirements

• BSc in Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Vehicle Technology, Systems Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years’ experience in delivering complex U.S. Defense programs, preferably in the vehicle development domain.
• Experience in capture, bid contract negotiations, and planning delivery.
• Experience with program management tools such as Earned Value Management, DELTEK Suite of Program Management Tools, MS Project, SAP.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience working with large cross-functional teams, varying in discipline (Engineering, Product Support, etc.), gathering information for submittal.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain suitability requirements for access to classified information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training in PMP, Agile, Systems Engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplined, multi-company, geographically distributed teams.
• Experience in USG Defense deliverable systems, such as ARCUS.
• Experience with encryption software.
• Knowledge of import and export regulations (e.g., ITAR regulations).
• Experience with reviewing documentation for data marking compliance.
• Knowledge of DoD processes and working on U.S. Army programs.
• 5+ years minimum data management experience.
• Prior experience with system engineering practices to ensure the proper degree of engineering rigor is applied to all assigned tasks.

Skills

• Communication: Must be able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and assimilate complex instructions easily. Ability to communicate with all levels of management and staff to establish productive relationships. Superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing, and negotiating skills are required. Must possess the ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Strategic Thinking and Decisive Judgment: Must demonstrate enthusiasm to engage with and support overseas colleagues to ensure all staff have the information and opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.
• Teamwork: Must promote collaboration and facilitate teamwork across the organization and its external service providers. Must be tactful, diplomatic, and work with integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
• Client Oriented: Must display exceptional listening and analytical skills to understand client concerns and needs with the ability to respond promptly and effectively.
• Leadership: Shall support and encourage performance by motivating individuals and teams to achieve high performance. Will clarify and define the goals and strategies of the organization and successfully communicate this to all. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to work effectively with the U.S. team, suppliers, customers, and corporate parent staff.
• Drive for Results: High level of self-motivation and standards with the ability to multi-task; balancing "analysis" with "doing." Must be adaptable and able to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to work on one’s own initiative.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to support travel of up to 25%.
• Traveling in the U.S. and abroad as required.
• Ability to perform job in a workspace with close proximity to others.