Sr. Program Manager

About the role

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Department of Defense (DoD) programs. The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with DoD policies, contractual requirements, and organizational standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact with DoD customers, stakeholders, and subcontractors.
• Lead program planning, budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking.
• Manage program teams across engineering, logistics, security, and support functions.
• Develop program documentation (e.g., Program Management Plans, risk registers, decision briefs).
• Maintain program execution and deliverables, monitor contract performance, and prepare and present program status reports, milestones, and reviews (e.g., IPTs, PMRs).
• Identify, mitigate, and manage program risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Oversee subcontractor performance and contract modifications.
• Actively manage technical teams to ensure efficient and rapid execution of complex systems.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience managing DoD programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with DoD customers and acquisition processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Experience with risk management and issue resolution.
• Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, Jira, EVM tools, etc.).
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure.
• Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution.
• Experience in functional and performance requirements allocation and tracking.
• Experience in System Engineering tools: Model-based Systems Engineering tools.
• Experience with High Energy Laser systems.
• Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking and/or Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems.
• Configuration Management for laser and electro-optical systems, in particular for high power applications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MBA, MS Systems Engineering, or related field).
• Experience in vendor management.

Skills

• Technical Presentation and Report Writing Skills.
• Vendor management experience.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year.
• 11 paid Holidays.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer.
• 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents.
• Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer.
• 100% Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting.

Pay

$170,000 - $200,000 depending upon education and experience.

Schedule

Onsite in Longmont, CO.