Program Manager

THE ROLE We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the execution of strategic defense programs supporting U.S. Army and Navy customers. This role serves as the central integrator across Business Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to ensure customer commitments are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. You will own program execution from contract award through delivery, acting as the primary customer interface while driving internal cross-functional teams toward successful program outcomes. The ideal candidate is a strong operator who thrives in fast-paced environments, proactively manages risk, and is comfortable balancing customer expectations with technical and operational realities. WHAT YOU'LL DO Lead the execution of complex defense programs from contract award through customer delivery. Serve as the primary customer point of contact throughout program execution, building trusted relationships with government stakeholders. Partner with Business Development during capture activities to define scope of work, execution strategy, resource requirements, and program risks. Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), program plans, risk registers, business cases, and executive program reviews. Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and Operations to ensure successful execution of customer commitments. Drive cross-functional decision-making to resolve technical, schedule, and execution challenges. Track program cost, schedule, scope, and performance while identifying and mitigating risks. Lead customer reviews, status meetings, technical interchange meetings, and milestone reviews. Manage contract changes, customer requests, and program deliverables throughout the lifecycle of the program. Ensure programs meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives while maintaining exceptional customer satisfaction. Champion program management best practices and continuously improve internal tools, processes, and reporting. Support executive leadership with program status updates, forecasts, and strategic recommendations. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or a related field. 5+ years of program management experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs. Experience managing complex, cross-functional technical programs from contract award through execution. Experience serving as the primary interface with government customers or major defense contractors. Strong understanding of program management methodologies, including schedule management, risk management, cost tracking, and change control. Experience developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), risk registers, and executive program reviews. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority. Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to travel regularly between customer locations, manufacturing sites, and company offices, including Washington, D.C., Dallas, TX, and the Huntsville, AL area. Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Prior military experience, particularly supporting or serving within the U.S. Army or U.S. Navy. Experience managing weapons systems, missile systems, autonomous systems, or other complex defense platforms. Experience working for a defense prime contractor, high-growth defense technology company, or within a U.S. government acquisition organization. Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and defense program execution. Experience supporting manufacturing, production, or hardware development programs. Experience using program management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Smartsheet, Primavera P6, or similar platforms. Strong understanding of defense contracting, proposal support, and transition from capture to execution. WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL You are a natural integrator who brings together Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development to solve complex problems. You excel at building trusted relationships with customers while holding internal teams accountable for execution. You anticipate risks early, communicate proactively, and make sound decisions in fast-moving environments. You are equally comfortable in executive program reviews, customer meetings, and on the production floor ensuring commitments are met. You thrive in environments where ownership, accountability, and execution matter more than bureaucracy. You are motivated by delivering mission-critical capabilities that directly support the United States and its allies. #J-18808-Ljbffr