Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager (Defense & Aerospace) | McLean, VA

A growing defense and aerospace technology company is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead complex, customer-driven programs from requirements definition through production and final delivery.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for managing program schedules, budgets, risks, customer requirements, and cross-functional execution across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment where accountability, ownership, and execution are critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex defense and aerospace programs from project kickoff through customer acceptance and delivery

• Manage program schedules, budgets, risks, milestones, and deliverables while ensuring customer expectations are met

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure technical requirements are fully captured and executed

• Drive procurement activities, supplier management, and long-lead material planning

• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar tools

• Lead customer program reviews, status meetings, and executive-level reporting

• Manage contract requirements, Statements of Work (SOW), scope changes, and program compliance

• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations

• Proactively identify and mitigate program risks before they impact schedule, cost, or delivery

Qualifications

• PMP certification (preferred)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline

• 3-10 years of program management experience within defense, aerospace, government contracting, or advanced manufacturing environments

• Strong experience managing DoD contracts and customer-facing government programs

• Proven success managing budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and multi-disciplinary technical teams

• Experience with risk management, earned value concepts, and critical path scheduling

• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Experience

• Military background or experience supporting military customers

• Experience with FAR/DFARS requirements

• Manufacturing, production, fabrication, or systems integration program experience

• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and related compliance standards

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• High-impact leadership role with direct visibility to executive management

• Opportunity to lead mission-critical defense and aerospace programs

• Fast-moving environment with significant ownership and decision-making authority

• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Location: McLean, VA (On-Site)

If you have a proven track record leading complex defense or aerospace programs and are interested in a confidential discussion, please apply directly.

All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.