Senior Program Manager
An innovative aerospace and defense technology company is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead multidisciplinary teams in the development and execution of cutting-edge projects. This role focuses on managing New Product Development (NPD) within a highly regulated environment, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget while adhering to quality and regulatory standards.
Role Overview:
The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of programs, from initial concept through to production and support. This includes leading cross-functional teams across Systems, Electronics, Mechanical, Software, Manufacturing, and Test Engineering disciplines. The role also involves extensive interaction with both internal and external stakeholders, including partners, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and production of programs with clear milestones and deliverables, ensuring timely completion within established timelines and budgets.
- Negotiate, prepare, and ensure compliance with contracts, Statements of Work, and Specifications.
- Support business development efforts by leading bids and proposals, managing kick-off meetings, and ensuring management sign-off on cost and technical volumes.
- Foster a collaborative team culture through clear, objective communication and effective stakeholder management.
- Conduct regular team meetings, track project progress, and proactively address risks and performance issues by developing contingency plans and corrective actions as needed.
- Review, approve, and publish project documentation and contract deliverables, while managing action items and task prioritization.
- Prepare and present program reviews to executive management and external stakeholders, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and MRR.
- Manage an Integrated Master Schedule, forecasting resourcing needs and supporting hiring efforts as required.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of policies, procedures, templates, and tools related to program management and product development.
- Ensure adherence to Quality Management System (QMS) standards.
Qualifications:
- 8+ years of experience with a BS Degree in Engineering (preferably Electrical Engineering).
- Proven experience in the Aerospace, Defense, or other high-tech sectors.
- 5+ years of program management experience with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 defense or aerospace firm.
- Demonstrated success in managing defense programs valued at over $10M.
- Expertise in transitioning products through key development phases: proof of concept, development, verification/qualification, manufacturing, production, and service/support.
- 5+ years of experience with AS9100 Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- Proficiency in MS Office, MS Project, and Visio.
Preferred Skills:
- PMP Certification.
- Experience managing programs in excess of $10M.
- A Systems Engineering approach to technical problem-solving.
- Understanding of electric motor design and operation.
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking team where your leadership will drive the success of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies.
