Sr. Program Manager

Lead complex Department of Defense (DoD) Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) programs from contract award through serial production. Oversee cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution while meeting government contract requirements, cost and schedule objectives, and technical performance goals. Experience within the aerospace and defense industry, supporting major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, or similar organizations is required. This position requires 25% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex DoD EMD programs valued more than $20M+.
• Serve as the primary interface between government customers, subcontractors, executive leadership, and program stakeholders.
• Direct all phases of program execution including:
  • Program planning and startup
  • Systems engineering integration
  • Design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
  • Test and evaluation activities
  • Manufacturing readiness reviews
  • Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) transition
• Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk using Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies.
• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Integrated Master Plans (IMP).
• Lead cross-functional teams consisting of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, contracts, finance, and business development personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable acquisition regulations including FAR, DFARS, and DoD 5000-series guidance.
• Establish and maintain strong customer relationships with military branches, government agencies, and prime contractors.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and present executive-level program reviews, milestone briefings, and customer status updates.
• Support proposal development, capture activities, and strategic growth initiatives.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing large-scale defense acquisition programs, driving engineering collaboration, mitigating program risks, and delivering results in a highly regulated environment.
• Experience within the aerospace and defense industry, supporting major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, or similar organizations.

Skills

• Strategic Leadership
• Executive Communication
• Customer Relationship Management
• Contract Management
• Financial Acumen
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Team Development & Mentorship
• Decision Making Under Pressure
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Negotiation & Influence