Technical Program Manager

Wilder Systems Robotics is a robotics and automation company delivering advanced manufacturing and sustainment automation solutions to aerospace, defense, and industrial customers. We are ITAR-registered and HUBZone-certified, with active programs supporting aircraft maintenance depots, defense industrial base facilities, and major aerospace primes. We are a company built on aptitude and culture. We hire people who are sharp, adaptable, and motivated, then build the technical depth together. If you have led complex programs, managed high-performing technical teams, and know how to operate inside the government contracting world, we want to talk. Role Summary The Program Manager (PM) will serve as the operational and people leader for Wilder Systems' Oklahoma City program base. You will own execution of government and defense-adjacent programs from award through delivery, manage a team of applications engineers, and serve as the senior presence on the ground in OKC. This role is equal parts program execution, team leadership, and government customer relationship management. You will work directly with company leadership and be a key voice in shaping how Wilder Systems grows its government program portfolio. This is not a bureaucratic PM role, it is a hands‑on leadership position in a fast‑moving company where your decisions have immediate impact. Key Responsibilities Government Program Execution Own delivery of assigned government and defense programs, schedule, cost, scope, and risk Serve as primary point of contact for government customers, contracting officers, and program offices Navigate government contracting processes including contract modifications, EDA submissions, invoice compliance, and CDRL deliverables Coordinate with internal BD and leadership on proposal inputs, ROM development, and contract transitions Maintain program documentation in accordance with ITAR requirements and contract obligations Directly manage a team of ~4 applications engineers based in Oklahoma City Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and develop team members' professional and technical capabilities Assign and prioritize work across the team to align with program demands and company goals Build a team culture consistent with Wilder Systems' values: ownership, adaptability, and technical excellence Identify hiring needs and participate in recruiting and onboarding as the team scales Build and maintain strong relationships with government program offices, depot-level maintenance organizations, and defense contractors in the OKC area Represent Wilder Systems at customer meetings, site visits, and program reviews Translate customer requirements into clear internal direction for engineering teams Escalate issues early and communicate proactively, internally and externally Operations & Process Coordinate with hardware, software, and controls engineers across multiple concurrent programs Support CMMC Level 2 and FedRAMP compliance activities intersecting with program delivery Contribute to internal process improvement as the company scales its government program portfolio Qualifications Required 10–20 years of experience in program or project management, operations leadership, or a closely related field Demonstrated experience managing government or defense contracts, familiarity with FAR/DFAR environments, contracting vehicles, and government customer dynamics Proven track record leading and developing technical teams Strong communication skills, able to engage credibly with government PMs, senior engineers, and company executives High organizational discipline and comfort managing multiple concurrent programs U.S. Person status required (ITAR‑controlled programs) Preferred Military background, any branch; operational leadership, logistics, maintenance, or program management experience highly valued Experience with depot‑level aircraft maintenance, sustainment programs, or defense industrial base operations (Tinker AFB familiarity a genuine plus) PMP certification or equivalent formal training Experience with government invoicing systems, EDA, WAWF/IPP, or similar contracting portals Familiarity with ITAR compliance, CMMC, or other defense regulatory frameworks Oklahoma City ties or existing relationships within the OKC aerospace and defense community What We Offer Competitive base salary commensurate with experience Medical, dental, and vision benefits 401(k) with company match Small team, high ownership, no layers of bureaucracy between you and leadership Work that matters, supporting defense and aerospace programs with direct national impact #J-18808-Ljbffr