Program Manager

A mission-driven organization near Charleston, SC is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead a high-impact R&D program at the intersection of government, industry, and academia. This is a rare opportunity to drive innovation in advanced shipbuilding and manufacturing technologies that directly strengthen the defense industrial base and support national security, with a hybrid/flexible work schedule.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a stable, rapidly growing organization working at the forefront of naval research and advanced manufacturing. The team is collaborative, mission-focused, and passionate about enabling the warfighter through meaningful technology development and transition.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE

• Work for a stable, rapidly growing organization that will allow you to grow personally and professionally.
• Leverage your background in advanced manufacturing, naval technologies, and R&D program management in ways that shape real-world outcomes.
• Do meaningful work that enables the warfighter and strengthens the defense industrial base every single day.
• Collaborate with a fun, bright, motivated team that truly enjoys working together.
• Competitive salary ($110,000 to $120,000) plus a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings plan with a strong company contribution, generous PTO, and more.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Serve as the Program Manager for the Naval Shipbuilding and Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence (NSAM CoE), providing key management and programmatic support.
• Lead project development activities and provide technical, programmatic, and financial oversight across a diverse R&D portfolio.
• Provide technical assessments and recommendations on shipbuilding and naval-related technologies.
• Research and assess advancements in relevant manufacturing technology focus areas, identifying novel solutions and industry partners to support the Navy's investment strategy.
• Develop and maintain working relationships and technical interchanges with shipyards and defense industries, facilitating technology transfer.
• Assist technical staff in developing Statements of Work, establishing project deliverables, completion criteria, and Go/No-Go metrics.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings, quarterly reviews, periodic update teleconferences, and planning meetings at shipyards and industrial facilities.
• Travel to and participate in conferences, including the Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC), ShipTech, NSRP All Panel Meeting, and other approved events.
• Review technical deliverables and external project presentations as needed.
• Support personnel and resource allocation in collaboration with program leadership.

WHAT YOU BRING

• A technical BS degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field from an accredited university, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. An advanced degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing technology development programs.
• A thorough understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, with the ability to recognize manufacturing needs and evaluate potential solutions related to the Naval Research Enterprise.
• Experience with digital manufacturing, digital twin/thread processes, and model-based tools is highly preferred.
• Experience in identifying technology needs and understanding technology transition and implementation processes.
• Familiarity with relevant technology focus areas such as Design for Producibility/Manufacturability, intelligent manufacturing planning, automation and robotics, Modeling and Simulation, and inspection technologies (e.g., digital radiography, ultrasonic inspection).
• Experience working with Navy and/or Marine Corps commands or program offices preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project); MS Access a plus.
• U.S. citizenship (by birth or naturalization) required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance and successfully pass a background check.

ABOUT CATCH TALENT

Catch Talent is a high-touch recruiting agency that delivers end-to-end talent acquisition solutions to growing technology, digital media, and professional services companies. Headquartered in Charleston, SC, Catch brings decades of technical recruiting expertise to local and national clients and offers a full range of flexible solutions, including direct placement hiring, recruitment process outsourcing, contract, and contract-to-hire models. Learn more at catchtalent.com.

Catch Talent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.