Program Manager

Job Title: Project EngineerJob Description The Project Engineer will lead the execution of complex, government-funded programs delivering innovative autonomous maritime and mission system capabilities. This role oversees program performance across technical scope, schedule, and budget while engaging directly with government customers and guiding multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle from concept development to delivery. The position is ideal for an experienced program leader who thrives in a highly technical, fast-paced environment and wants to drive cutting-edge autonomy solutions rather than maintain legacy systems. Responsibilities Own overall technical, schedule, and cost performance for assigned programs. Lead day-to-day and strategic interactions with government customers, serving as a primary point of contact. Manage proposal efforts, including strategy, planning, and execution, to secure new program awards and drive program growth initiatives. Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure aligned and efficient program execution. Drive successful program delivery from early concept development through detailed design, integration, testing, and final delivery. Identify program risks across technical, schedule, cost, and supply chain dimensions and implement effective mitigation strategies. Oversee budgeting and financial management, including earned value and cost tracking, to ensure programs remain within approved budgets. Lead schedule development and management, ensuring milestones, dependencies, and critical paths are clearly defined and maintained. Manage change orders and contract modifications in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Support strategic planning for future programs and technology roadmaps, aligning program execution with broader organizational goals. Collaborate closely with systems engineering teams to ensure technical solutions meet customer requirements and program objectives. Provide leadership, direction, and clear communication to multidisciplinary teams to maintain focus on quality, performance, and on-time delivery. Essential Skills At least 10 years of program management experience in defense, aerospace, naval, robotics, or advanced technology environments. Proven experience managing complex government-funded programs from initiation through completion. Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and technology development programs. Demonstrated expertise in program management, including planning, execution, and performance tracking. Hands-on experience with budget management and financial oversight for technical programs. Proficiency with earned value management and related cost and schedule performance metrics. Strong schedule management skills, including development, monitoring, and adjustment of detailed program schedules. Experience leading government customer interactions and maintaining strong customer relationships. Background in contract management, including handling change orders and scope adjustments. Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate program risks across technical and operational domains. Strong strategic planning capabilities to support program growth and long-term technology initiatives. PMP certification preferred or equivalent demonstrated program management expertise. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, maritime platforms, or advanced mission systems is highly beneficial. Demonstrated ability to lead small, senior-level engineering teams in a fast-paced environment. Comfort working on cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous navigation, unmanned operations, advanced controls, and long-duration autonomous platforms. Track record of driving innovation, technical ownership, and continuous improvement in program execution. Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical and programmatic information clearly to diverse stakeholders. Ability to operate effectively in an execution-focused culture that emphasizes accountability and results. Motivation to influence and shape future programs and technologies rather than focus on legacy systems. Work Environment The role operates in a hybrid work model, with three days onsite and two days remote each week. You will join a small, senior-level engineering team focused on developing cutting-edge autonomous maritime technologies and mission systems for government customers. The environment is highly technical, fast-paced, and execution-focused, emphasizing ownership, accountability, and delivering results over corporate perks. Engineers collaborate directly with leadership on challenging problems in autonomous navigation, unmanned operations, advanced controls, and long-duration autonomous platforms. The culture rewards innovation, technical excellence, and proactive problem-solving, making it a strong fit for professionals who value autonomy, meaningful work, and direct impact on future programs. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Denver, CO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $175000.00 - $200000.00/yr. Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability but employee does have to pay a portion. 401K is 3% matching after 1 year. 2 weeks PTO to start, but is negotiable. 9 paid holidays. Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Denver,CO. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. 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