Sr. Development Program Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior / Development Program Manager to lead complex defense programs involving avionics system development and integration. Working independently, this role will manage all aspects of program execution from inception to final delivery, ensuring alignment with customer contracts, technical requirements, and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage programs from concept through final product delivery, ensuring compliance with terms, conditions, DoD acquisition processes, DFARS, and MIL-STDs.

• Develop detailed project management plans, schedules, budgets, billing, change control, and Earned Value Management (EVM).

• Resolve project issues, escalate as necessary, and make key decisions regarding pricing, schedules, and commit dates.

• Drive technical reviews, risk assessments, and milestone reviews to ensure on-time delivery.

• Act as the primary liaison between government agencies, prime contractors, and internal cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, supply chain).

• Build productive working relationships at all organizational levels, utilizing a consultative approach to promote SCI’s solution capabilities and vertical integration offerings.

• Manage customer satisfaction, revenue achievement, order delivery, and business issues (e.g., A/R, E&O material issues, PPV, credit, RMAs).

• Ensure avionics hardware and software development meets DO-178C and DO-254 standards.

• Maintain strict adherence to ITAR, EAR, and cybersecurity protocols (CMMC, NIST 800-171).

• Oversee supplier and subcontractor performance to ensure top-tier quality and contract compliance.

• Prepare and present program status reports, proposals, and technical documentation to leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret Security Clearance.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field (preferred).

• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on program/project management experience in defense contracts and aerospace development. Proven experience with DoD programs, military avionics systems, and safety-critical software/hardware. Strong business acumen and negotiation skills combined with technical, detailed program reporting experience.

• Tools & Certifications: Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Deltek, Jira, etc.). PMP, PgMP, or INCOSE CSEP certification preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing defense system development programs.

• Background in Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA).