Program Manager - Automation

Job Description

Job Description

The Program Manager (Automation) is responsible for the successful delivery of complex, safety-critical aviation and defense programs, with a primary focus on contracts supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and related government agencies. This role owns full lifecycle program execution from capture and proposal development through system delivery, certification and final customer acceptance.

The Program Manager is accountable for program performance across scope, schedule, cost, compliance and risk ensuring all deliverables meet stringent regulatory, safety and contractual requirements. This individual serves as the primary interface with government stakeholders and leads cross-functional teams in a highly regulated, mission-critical environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Leadership

• Lead proposal development for FAA and defense-related RFPs/RFQs in compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS)
• Identify, vet and negotiate with subcontractors in accordance with federal procurement standards
• Ensure proposals align with technical, regulatory and certification requirements (e.g., air traffic management systems, communications, surveillance or navigation systems)
• Develop compliant and competitive program plans including Statements of Work (SOW), Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), Basis of Estimates (BOE) and resource plans
• Conduct risk and opportunity analyses

1. Program Execution & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end execution of FAA and defense programs, ensuring adherence to contractual, technical and regulatory requirements
• Establish and maintain program governance, including milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
• Manage Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and ensure alignment across engineering, manufacturing and other stakeholders
• Direct cross-functional teams delivering safety-critical systems, including hardware, software and integrated solutions
• Oversee subcontractor performance, ensuring compliance with cost, schedule, quality and federal requirements
• Manage installation, integration, test and commissioning activities at customer sites, including coordination with FAA facilities
• Drive program closeout, including documentation, certification support and final government acceptance

1. Regulatory Compliance & Certification

• Ensure compliance with FAA regulatory frameworks and applicable standards
• Support system certification and approval processes, including documentation, testing and validation activities
• Ensure adherence to applicable standards
• Maintain audit readiness for government reviews and regulatory inspections
• Ensure compliance with export controls (ITAR/EAR) and security requirements

1. Risk, Change & Performance Management

• Establish and maintain a formal risk and opportunity management process, including risk registers and mitigation plans
• Lead change control processes in alignment with contractual requirements, including engineering change proposals (ECPs)
• Monitor program performance using KPIs and Earned Value Management (EVM) as required
• Identify and resolve program issues proactively, including escalation to leadership and government stakeholders

1. Financial Management

• Own program financial performance, including revenue, margin and cash flow
• Develop and manage program budgets, forecasts and Estimates at Completion (EAC)
• Perform variance analysis (cost and schedule) and implement corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with government cost accounting standards and contractual financial requirements
• Approve and manage subcontractor and vendor expenditures

1. Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary interface with FAA program offices, contracting officers and technical representatives
• Lead program reviews, including Program Management Reviews (PMR) and customer status briefings
• Build strong relationships with government stakeholders, ensuring transparency and trust
• Align internal stakeholders and resolve cross-functional challenges to maintain program execution

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and influence cross-functional, matrixed teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality and field services
• Drive accountability, performance and collaboration across all program stakeholders
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of excellence, compliance and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Program Management, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience managing complex aerospace, aviation, defense, or government technology programs.
• Demonstrated success delivering large-scale, mission-critical programs for U.S. government customers.
• Experience managing software-intensive systems, automation platforms, or complex system integration programs.
• Experience developing and managing IMS, budgets, forecasts, risk management plans, and program execution strategies.
• Strong knowledge of program management principles, change control, performance measurement, and financial management.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in highly technical environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with executive and government customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting FAA Air Traffic Management (ATM) or National Airspace System programs.
• Experience with FAA automation systems such as ERAM, STARS, TFMS, or related modernization programs.
• Experience with air traffic control automation, decision support systems, or mission-critical operational platforms.
• Familiarity with FAA acquisition processes and government contracting.
• Knowledge of aviation standards including DO-178C, DO-254, DO-278A, or related standards.
• Experience with cybersecurity requirements for government systems.
• PMP certification.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Experience with ERP systems, program analytics tools, and executive reporting dashboards.
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance.
• Additional Requirements
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.
• U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency required.
• Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform this role