Program Manager

Program Manager II - Defense Programs

Location: Chandler, AZ

Schedule: Monday-Friday (5x8)

Work Arrangement: Primarily Onsite; Hybrid Available (Up to 2 Days Remote Based on Program Needs)

Employment Type: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire

Pay Rate: $60-$72/hr DOE

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a high-visibility defense development program supporting a major prime contractor customer.

This position will be responsible for overall program execution, customer management, Integrated Product Team (IPT) leadership, and ownership of highly detailed Integrated Master Schedules (IMS). The successful candidate will serve as the primary interface between the customer and internal stakeholders while driving activities through development, qualification testing, manufacturing readiness, and production.

This is not a pure scheduling role. The ideal candidate combines strong program execution experience with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project and integrated scheduling methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead execution of a complex defense development program from contract award through qualification and production.
• Serve as the primary customer-facing representative for assigned programs.
• Manage scope, schedule, risks, deliverables, and overall program performance.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, quality, test, planning, procurement, and supply chain activities.
• Drive program milestones and ensure customer commitments are met.
• Escalate risks, resource constraints, and program issues as needed.

Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leadership

• Lead cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
• Drive execution across engineering, manufacturing, test, quality, planning, and supply chain functions.
• Align shared resources to support aggressive customer schedules.
• Facilitate decision-making and issue resolution across program stakeholders.

Customer Management

• Act as the primary interface between customer teams and internal IPTs.
• Lead recurring customer program reviews and status meetings.
• Communicate schedule status, program risks, qualification testing updates, and mitigation plans.
• Maintain strong customer relationships while supporting successful program execution.

Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS)

• Develop, maintain, and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) using Microsoft Project.
• Create and maintain schedule logic, dependencies, resource loading, and critical path analysis.
• Manage schedule baselines and schedule change control.
• Monitor schedule performance and overall program health.
• Support detailed schedules containing hundreds to thousands of activities.
• Conduct schedule health assessments and compliance reviews.

Program Controls & EVM

• Support Earned Value Management (EVM/EVMS) activities.
• Develop program metrics, forecasts, and executive reporting.
• Support Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs).
• Analyze schedule risks, opportunities, and resource constraints.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of Program Management, Technical Program Management, Project Controls, or related experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Project experience.
• Experience developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
• Experience with resource-loaded schedules and critical path management.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Strong customer-facing communication skills.
• Experience presenting program status and metrics to leadership and customers.
• Strong planning, execution, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace, defense, or DoD program experience.
• Experience supporting development, qualification, and production programs.
• Knowledge of DCMA scheduling principles and DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment.
• Experience supporting government customers and defense prime contractors.
• Earned Value Management (EVM/EVMS) experience.
• PMP, PMI-SP, or related certifications.
• Technical background in engineering, manufacturing, product development, or testing.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We're looking for a Program Manager who has successfully managed customer-facing aerospace or defense programs and who possesses deep expertise with Microsoft Project and Integrated Master Scheduling.

The ideal candidate understands how to:

• Lead IPTs
• Manage demanding defense customers
• Maintain complex resource-loaded schedules
• Drive qualification and test activities
• Navigate aggressive development timelines
• Communicate effectively with engineers, customers, and executive leadership

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.