Senior Program Manager - Direct Hire

Senior Program Manager

Location: Greater Providence, RI Area (Hybrid)

Industry: Advanced Defense & Mission‑Systems Technology Salary Range: $140k-195k

Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Manage r to lead complex defense and commercial programs supporting advanced mission systems, emerging technologies, and hardware‑based production efforts. This hybrid role oversees programs across the full lifecycle—from proposal and contract award through development, production, and sustainment

.The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic environments, brings structure to ambiguity, and excels at driving disciplined execution while managing evolving requirements and competing priorities

.Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary customer interface, leading all program execution activities related to technical performanc e, cost, schedule, risk, and contractual commitments
• Lead program reviews and executive briefings for customers and internal leadership, communicating status, risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, including Work Breakdown Structure s (WBS), Integrated Master Schedule s (IMS), budgets, resource plans, and execution strategies
• Manage program financial performance, including forecasting, ET C, EA C, revenue planning, and budget‑to‑actual reporting
• Establish execution frameworks, governance processes, and operating rhythms in environments where program‑management infrastructure is still maturing
• Manage customer expectations, contractual scope, and requirements while preventing unauthorized scope expansion
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and effective communication across cross‑functional program teams

Required Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Business, or related field
• Minimum 7 year s of program, project, or technical leadership supporting DoD customers on production‑based or hardware‑delivery programs
• Demonstrated success managing programs with complex technical, schedule, and cost requirements
• Proven ability to lead highly technical, cross‑functional teams in fast‑paced, evolving environments
• Exceptional planning, prioritization, and execution skills; ability to create clarity from complexity
• Self‑starter with the ability to build structure, processes, and execution frameworks in maturing organizations
• Hands‑on experience developing and maintaining WB S, IM S, and resource‑loaded schedules
• Experience with program financial management, including ET C, EA C, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Strong customer‑management skills with the ability to control scope, cost, and schedule
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualification

• 12+ year s of defense program‑management experience
• Experience working within Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS )
• PMP certificatio n
• Familiarity with Agil e or hybrid execution methodologies
• Active DoD security clearance

Role Summary

The Senior Program Manager is accountable for successful program execution across all dimensions—technical, cost, schedule, and risk. This includes leading cross‑functional teams, managing customer relationships, and ensuring disciplined execution throughout the program lifecycle

This role requires someone who

• Thrives in ambiguity
• Brings structure and clarity to evolving environment
• Operates with a strong bias for action
• Drives accountability and results without waiting for perfect conditions