Technical Program Manager

About the role

We are hiring a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead our commercial & defense actuation programs. This is a role for someone who makes things happen: turning customer requirements and engineering innovation into qualified, delivered hardware for demanding actuation applications.

Responsibilities

• Own the program. Drive actuation programs from requirements and early design through qualification, production, and sustainment, holding accountability for scope, schedule, cost, and technical performance.
• Lead hands-on. Build and maintain integrated master schedules, budgets, and risk and opportunity registers, then roll up your sleeves to resolve issues in real time.
• Be the hub. Connect engineering, supply chain, operations, and quality so the team stays aligned and moving through each phase gate.
• Interface with customers. Serve as the primary customer-facing lead for defense primes and government stakeholders, translating requirements into clear deliverables and maintaining transparency on progress, risks, and recovery plans.
• Manage controlled work. Execute programs in accordance with ITAR/EAR, and DFARS requirements, and support mitigation activities as the company scales its classified program capability.
• Drive qualification readiness. Partner with engineering and quality to navigate qualification and airworthiness requirements and deliver compliant, verifiable hardware.
• Operate with startup agility. Identify bottlenecks early and drive solutions that balance speed, cost, and quality without heavy process overhead.
• Report to leadership. Communicate program health to executives with clarity and action-oriented recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• PMP or equivalent experience is a plus.
• 6-8+ years of program management experience in aerospace and defense or high-tech hardware, including direct experience on defense or government programs.
• Experience with actuation systems or electromechanical components is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of defense contracting and compliance frameworks, including ITAR/EAR, DFARS, and CMMC.
• Demonstrated success managing cost, schedule, and technical performance on hardware development programs, including EVM or equivalent program controls.
• Comfort operating in a lean environment where processes are still being built.
• Strong systems thinking and the ability to connect technical detail to business and contractual objectives.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without heavy hierarchy.
• Excellent communicator who earns trust with engineers, executives, and customers alike.
• Willingness to wear multiple hats and adjust priorities quickly.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).

Skills

• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with defense contracting and compliance frameworks.
• Strong systems thinking and ability to connect technical detail to business objectives.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $175,000 to $200,000 base salary + equity.
• Exceptional healthcare benefits — Medical is 100% covered by the company.
• Life Insurance (2x Salary) 100% covered by the company.
• Flexible PTO, 401K, Financial Wellness Resources, and more.

Pay

• $175,000 to $200,000 base salary + equity.

Schedule

• Full-time.

Benefits

• Medical is 100% covered by the company.
• Life Insurance (2x Salary) 100% covered by the company.
• Flexible PTO.
• 401K.
• Financial Wellness Resources.

Salient Motion is an equal opportunity employer.