Senior Program Manager

Federal Equipment Company, now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, is a leading supplier of marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. With extensive expertise in marine design, engineering, and manufacturing of critical shipboard systems, we are seeking a Sr. Program Manager to drive rapid, consistent, and efficient program management from initiation through closure.

About the Role

The Sr. Program Manager will assume full ownership of programs, ensuring adherence to schedule, cost control, technical execution, and profitability. This role involves strategic customer management, cross-functional leadership, and financial oversight in a complex technical and manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integrated program team with full accountability for program performance, including schedule adherence, cost control, technical execution, and profitability.
• Own senior-level customer relationships, acting as a trusted partner to manage expectations, lead negotiations, and ensure satisfaction.
• Develop, maintain, and execute the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and program budget, establishing strategic milestones and governing the critical path.
• Proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate program risks while pursuing opportunities to improve performance and profitability.
• Drive execution and integration across a matrixed team of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality experts, influencing without direct authority.
• Oversee the performance and strategy for major subcontractors and key suppliers, ensuring compliance with technical, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Own the program’s financial performance, including variance analysis, Estimate at Complete (EAC) reporting, and presenting program health to executive leadership.
• Champion program management best practices, mentor junior program managers, and mature organizational processes.
• Occasionally lift and move materials up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, a related technical field, or Business Management.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience leading complex technical programs in design, manufacturing, or defense/aerospace environments.
• Direct experience in design/build or complex manufacturing environments.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification strongly preferred.
• Strong command of government contracting, including FAR/DFAR regulations.
• Demonstrated experience managing major subcontractors and suppliers on a global scale.
• Expertise in MS Office & Office 365, MS Project, and financial reporting tools.
• Strong root cause analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
• High financial acumen, including budget management, EACs, and P&L oversight.
• Ability to operate effectively in an environment with evolving processes and high ambiguity.
• Flexibility to travel up to 20%.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams and influence senior leaders.
• Highly motivated, self-determined, and adaptable to changing requirements and priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in a machine shop is a plus.
• Must be a U.S. citizen to meet NOFORN (Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals) requirements for access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information. Acceptable proof includes a U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate.