Program Manager

Program Manager

Firehawk Aerospace is a leading propulsion-focused aerospace and defense company located in Addison, TX. Our innovative approach empowers us to design and manufacture cutting-edge solid and hybrid rocket motors and engines. We aim to push the boundaries of propulsion technology to serve both commercial and defense sectors. This position will be full-time located at our Addison, TX facility.

Position Details: As a PM, you will own the execution of multiple concurrent efforts across our government and internal Research and Development portfolio. Your programs will span USG contracts and associated IRADs — technically complex, cross-functional, and high-stakes. You will be accountable for cost, schedule, performance, and stakeholder relationships from kickoff through delivery. This is a mid/senior individual contributor role. You will not be handed a playbook. You will write one, run it, and improve it. We are looking for someone who brings structure to ambiguity, drives action without losing people, and treats program execution as a craft.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end execution across multiple concurrent programs — USG contracts, SBIRs, and IRADs — managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk simultaneously.
• Define and drive program approach and glide-paths at contract startup, building structure quickly and with intent.
• Build and maintain a task-level program structure in a PM tool (JIRA, Planner, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project or equivalent) that keeps cross-functional teams focused on the right work, at the right time, on the right timeline.
• Lead cross-functional coordination across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing ops, and external suppliers or subcontractors.
• Own USG customer relationships — communication, CDRL delivery, milestone reporting, and status briefs. Direct, accurate, no surprises.
• Surface and mitigate program risk proactively. Problems come with mitigation plans attached.
• Translate technical and programmatic complexity into clear, actionable status for leadership and government stakeholders.
• Manage supplier and partner performance tracking, technical coordination, and delivery accountability.
• Introduce and sustain PM process that works for team members. Make the structure an asset, not overhead.
• Report program progress and flag impacts of scope or schedule changes to leadership with speed and clarity.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of program or project management experience in aerospace, defense, or complex hardware development environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent programs or workstreams independently, with accountability for outcomes.
• Hands-on experience with task management or PM tool used at the sub-task level — not just milestone tracking.
• Experience managing USG contracts (SBIR, OTA, or formal contract types) including customer-facing deliverables, milestone management, and contracting relationships.
• Experience delivering all major design reviews from Kickoff to Closeout (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
• Strong cross-functional coordination skills — engineering, supply chain, and ops simultaneously.
• Proven ability to set up and run programs with minimal direction, especially at startup or in ambiguous environments.
• Crisp communicator in both directions - translates technical complexity up to leadership and government customers, and program priorities down to the team.
• High tolerance for pace and ambiguity. Recovers fast, adapts faster.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to comply with ITAR requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with propulsion systems, energetics, aerospace hardware, or test-driven development programs.
• Background supporting hardware build, integration, and test campaigns.
• USG-facing program management experience.
• Prior experience at a defense tech startup or early-stage aerospace company.
• Experience building PM infrastructure from scratch: templates, cadences, risk registers, dashboards.
• Active Secret clearance, or clearable.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, systems engineering, management, or a related technical field. Advanced degree a plus.

ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit and to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require minimal walking, standing for extended amounts of time, climbing, crouching, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. Security Clearance: May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace At Firehawk Aerospace, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to provide peace of mind and help you thrive both personally and professionally.

• Health Coverage: We offer 100% employer-paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% coverage for dependents under select plans, with additional options for PPO and HDHP plans. Coverage begins the first of the month following your hire date.

• Dental and Vision Plans: Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage options, including preventive care, orthodontics, and allowances for contacts and frames.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free, confidential services, including counseling, legal consultations, wellness coaching, and virtual concierge services to support your work-life balance.

• Flexible Work Schedule: Enjoy a 9/80 schedule option, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance.

• On-Site Perks: Complimentary snacks and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day.

• Professional Growth: Mentorship opportunities with industry-leading engineers and engagement in cutting-edge projects at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firehawk Aerospace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.