Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager

Lotus HQ - Chandler, AZ 85226

Overview

Position Type F/T Regular Job Shift Day

Description

The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading complex Department of Defense (DoD) Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) programs from contract award through serial production. This role oversees cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution while meeting government contract requirements, cost and schedule objectives, and technical performance goals.

Experience within the aerospace and defense industry, supporting major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, or similar organizations. Proven experience managing large-scale defense acquisition programs, driving engineering collaboration, mitigating program risks, and delivering results in a highly regulated environment is essential.

This position requires 25% travel.

Assignment of Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex DoD EMD programs valued more than $20M+.
• Serve as the primary interface between government customers, subcontractors, executive leadership, and program stakeholders.
• Direct all phases of program execution including:
• Program planning and startup
• Systems engineering integration
• Design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Test and evaluation activities
• Manufacturing readiness reviews
• Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) transition
• Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk using Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies.
• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Integrated Master Plans (IMP).
• Lead cross-functional teams consisting of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, contracts, finance, and business development personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable acquisition regulations including FAR, DFARS, and DoD 5000-series guidance.
• Establish and maintain strong customer relationships with military branches, government agencies, and prime contractors.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and present executive-level program reviews, milestone briefings, and customer status updates.
• Support proposal development, capture activities, and strategic growth initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Executive Communication
• Customer Relationship Management
• Contract Management
• Financial Acumen
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Team Development & Mentorship
• Decision Making Under Pressure
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Negotiation & Influence

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements for Education, Skillset, Qualifications, and Experience:

• Must be a US Citizen
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Business Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10+ years of Program Management experience supporting DoD programs.
• Minimum 5+ years managing Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) contracts.
• Demonstrated experience working for or directly supporting major defense primes such as:
• Northrop Grumman
• Lockheed Martin
• RTX
• General Dynamics
• Boeing Defense, Space & Security
• L3Harris Technologies
• Experience managing programs through major acquisition milestones and production transition.
• Strong understanding of:
• Earned Value Management (EVMS)
• Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
• Risk Management Frameworks
• Systems Engineering processes
• Configuration Management
• Defense Acquisition Lifecycle
• Experience managing government contracts exceeding $20M.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance – Desired.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with:
• Large Scale Metallic Fabrication
• High Security Protection systems
• Armor Systems
• DoD Facility Infrastructure Systems
• Active Secret clearance.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies in defense environments.