Program Manager

Program Manager

Location: Salt Lake City, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Program Manager with experience managing production programs. Reporting to the Director, ATM Programs, this role is responsible for the execution of assigned customer programs from sales handover through final system delivery and closure of contractual commitments.

In this position, you will also lead day-to-day program execution and coordinates cross-functional teams to meet customer requirements, contractual obligations, schedule commitments, quality standards, and cost objectives. The role manages program risks, tracks financial and schedule performance, and serves as the primary customer interface for assigned programs while escalating significant issues and risks as appropriate.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Manage Customer Relationships: Serve as the primary customer contact for assigned programs; Communicate program status, milestones, risks, and issues to customers in a timely manner; Coordinate customer deliverables and dependencies to support program execution; Plan and conduct program reviews, including customer acceptance reviews; Process contract modifications and change requests in accordance with established company procedures; Coordinate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance teams to support successful program delivery.
• Deliver Program Commitments: Execute programs in accordance with contractual requirements, approved schedules, and quality standards; Monitor program performance against cost, schedule, and technical objectives; Identify, assess, and manage program risks and opportunities; Escalate significant issues that may impact contractual commitments, schedule performance, or customer satisfaction.
• Program Planning and Control: Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, forecasts, and resource plans; Support development and maintenance of program baselines; Monitor estimated cost at completion (EAC) and update forecasts regularly; Track program progress and coordinate resolution of issues affecting execution; Prepare program metrics, dashboards, and status reports for management review; Support achievement of program profitability and performance objectives.
• Lead Cross-Functional Program Teams: Coordinate and prioritize activities among cross-functional team members; Assign and track work packages to support successful program execution; Facilitate communication among project stakeholders; Monitor scope, schedule, and budget performance throughout the program lifecycle.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field and 5+ years of program or project management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing customer-facing projects or programs in a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or technology environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage program scope, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Experience using project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence, or equivalent.
• Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a global and cross-functional environment.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project management with the US DoD or FAA.
• Knowledge and experience with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFAR).
• Working knowledge of complex avionics, navigational aids and aircraft systems.
• Working knowledge of high mix low-rate electronics and light mechanical Manufacturing is an asset.
• Engineering degree or PMP or IPMA certification is an asset.
• Experience with SAP by Design is an asset.

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule : Core hours, Monday Friday. A 9/80 shift is also offered with this role.
• Physical Environment : Typical office environment no special physical requirements.
• Travel : This position may require domestic travel 25%.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements : None.

Why Join Us?

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 85,314.75 - 144,431.00 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including but not limited to the employee's career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company's annual salary budget, the customer's program requirements, and the company's internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law.

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program