Sr. Spec Program Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a results-driven Program Manager to lead complex development and production programs across advanced aerospace and defense product lines. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional execution from commercialization through full-rate production, ensuring alignment across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, and contracts. The ideal candidate is a strong operator who can independently lead high-visibility initiatives, remove barriers, enforce accountability, and deliver on cost, schedule, quality, and customer commitments in a fast-paced defense manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions

• Program Execution: Lead development and production programs from planning through execution, ensuring successful transition from early-phase development to sustained manufacturing.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive execution across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and contracts to achieve program objectives.
• Production and Industrialization Support: Lead commercialization, production readiness, capacity planning, and material execution activities to support manufacturing ramp and operational scale.
• Schedule and Risk Management: Develop and manage integrated schedules, identify program risks, and implement mitigation and recovery plans to maintain execution performance.
• Supplier and Material Coordination: Support supplier performance management, escalation activities, and material risk mitigation to protect production continuity.
• Performance Reporting: Prepare executive-level status reviews, decision briefings, and customer communications to provide clear insight into program status, risks, and actions.
• Issue Resolution and Continuous Improvement: Lead corrective actions, resolve execution barriers, and support process improvement initiatives across high-visibility production environments.
• Business Support: Support proposals, strategic planning, and business growth efforts as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership experience. with 8+ years of experience in program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership.
• 2+ years of leading cross-functional teams and driving accountability without direct authority.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Experience leading complex aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing programs through development and production phases.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain execution, production planning, and program performance management.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and driving accountability without direct authority.
• Experience managing schedules, risks, budgets, and customer deliverables in fast-paced, highly regulated environments.
• Strong executive communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate independently and lead major initiatives with minimal oversight.