Senior Program Manager

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET), Incorporated is a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) system engineering and information technology firm. Incorporated in 1999, we support mission critical Information Technology (IT) business needs for clients within the intelligence community (IC), Department of Defense (DOD), Veteran Administration (VA) and for select commercial clients. ACET, Inc.’s technical, programmatic, and analytical professionals are experts in commercial technology, customized solutions, and proprietary government systems.

The Position:

ACET is seeking a highly experienced, financially disciplined Senior Program Manager in Havelock, NC to lead the execution, financial performance, and strategic management of multiple Department of Defense (DoD) aerospace programs supporting fixed-wing and rotary-wing military aviation platforms.

This senior leadership position will oversee a portfolio of up to three concurrent programs, with combined contract values ranging from $50 million to $100 million, supporting aircraft maintenance, depot-level modifications, avionics and systems integration, manufacturing, and sustainment operations.

The Senior Program Manager will have full accountability for program Profit and Loss (P&L), cost and schedule performance, Earned Value Management (EVM), contract compliance, customer relationships, and operational execution.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Aerospace, the successful candidate will work in close partnership with the Finance Controller, Contracts, Procurement, and Operations leadership to ensure disciplined financial management, predictable program execution, and profitable contract performance.

The ideal candidate is an established aerospace and defense program leader who understands both the technical complexities of military aviation operations and the financial responsibilities associated with managing large-scale federal contracts.

Responsibilities:

• Direct all phases of assigned aerospace programs, from contract transition and mobilization through execution, performance evaluation, and contract closeout.


• Manage up to three concurrent programs with combined contract values of $50M–$100M.


• Maintain overall responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, contractual compliance, quality, and customer satisfaction.


• Lead geographically dispersed operational teams, including subordinate Program Managers, Site Managers, and technical support personnel.


• Establish program execution strategies, integrated schedules, resource plans, performance objectives, and measurable milestones.


• Identify program risks, develop mitigation strategies, and implement corrective actions to maintain contractual performance.


• Ensure operational alignment with the Aerospace Division’s financial and strategic objectives.

Financial Management, P&L & Business Performance:

• Assume full P&L accountability for assigned programs, including revenue, operating expenses, gross margin, profitability, and financial performance.


• Develop, manage, and maintain annual operating budgets, program financial plans, and revenue forecasts.


• Work directly with the Finance Controller to review monthly financial performance, reconcile program expenditures, and validate financial reporting.


• Prepare and maintain Estimates at Completion (EAC), Estimates to Complete (ETC), and projected contract profitability.


• Analyze labor costs, material expenditures, subcontractor commitments, indirect cost allocations, and financial variances.


• Monitor contract funding, expenditures, billing milestones, accounts receivable, and cash-flow performance.


• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing through coordination with Finance and Contracts.


• Identify financial risks, cost overruns, margin erosion, and unfavorable performance trends before they affect program profitability.


• Develop and execute financial recovery plans when performance falls below established objectives.


• Present monthly financial performance and forecast updates to the Vice President of Aerospace.

Earned Value Management & Program Controls:

• Establish and maintain program performance measurement systems utilizing Earned Value Management principles.


• Monitor Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), Actual Cost (AC), Cost Performance Index (CPI), and Schedule Performance Index (SPI).


• Develop and maintain performance measurement baselines, integrated master schedules, and cost control processes.


• Conduct variance analysis to identify cost and schedule deviations.


• Develop corrective action plans and recovery strategies for underperforming programs.


• Integrate earned value reporting into monthly Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and executive performance reporting.


• Maintain familiarity with ANSI/EIA-748 Earned Value Management System guidelines and applicable contractual EVMS requirements.


• Manage multiple DoD contract types, including Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Cost-Reimbursement, Time-and-Materials (T&M), and IDIQ task orders.


• Ensure program compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, contract provisions, and government acquisition requirements.


• Monitor Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), and contractual deliverables.


• Oversee contract funding limitations, option periods, contract modifications, and changes in scope.


• Coordinate with Contracts and Finance to identify and document potential equitable adjustments, funding requirements, and contract changes.


• Support DCMA and DCAA reviews, government audits, and internal compliance assessments.


• Ensure program activities align with applicable aviation maintenance, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.


• Maintain oversight of subcontractor performance and contractual obligations.

Customer Relations & Executive Reporting:

• Serve as the senior program representative and primary management interface with government customers, prime contractors, and program stakeholders.


• Establish and maintain effective relationships with NAVAIR, Naval Air Systems Command program offices, DoD customers, and industry partners.


• Lead Program Management Reviews, Integrated Product Team meetings, and customer performance discussions.


• Present program financial performance, operational metrics, schedule status, and risk assessments to executive leadership.


• Provide clear, accurate, and timely communication regarding program performance and emerging risks.


• Coordinate customer-facing financial information and responses with the Finance Controller.


• Support customer satisfaction initiatives and positive Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) outcomes.

Operational Leadership & Workforce Management:

• Direct resource planning, staffing strategies, workforce utilization, and labor forecasting across assigned programs.


• Ensure appropriate allocation of technical personnel, materials, equipment, and subcontractor resources.


• Manage workforce productivity, overtime, staffing requirements, and operational efficiency.


• Lead subordinate management teams through established performance objectives and accountability measures.


• Partner with Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and Finance to resolve operational challenges.


• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.


• Ensure consistent application of corporate policies, procedures, and quality management systems.

Business Development & Strategic Growth:

• Support contract recompetes, proposal development, technical evaluations, and pricing strategies.


• Participate in capture planning, customer engagement, and identification of contract expansion opportunities.


• Support preparation of technical and management proposals, staffing plans, Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and cost proposals.


• Identify opportunities to improve contract profitability, expand program scope, and strengthen customer relationships.


• Contribute to the Aerospace Division’s long-term growth and strategic business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Engineering, Program Management, Finance, or a related discipline.


• Equivalent combinations of education and directly relevant military aviation or defense industry experience may be considered.


• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required.


• Additional certifications in Earned Value Management, Lean Six Sigma, or aerospace quality management are preferred.


• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive aerospace or defense program management experience, including direct responsibility for government contract execution.


• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale DoD aerospace contracts or portfolios valued at $50 million to $100 million.


• Proven ability to simultaneously manage three or more programs, contracts, or major task orders.


• Direct experience with military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aviation maintenance, modifications, manufacturing, or sustainment operations.


• Demonstrated full P&L responsibility, including budget development, profitability management, forecasting, and financial reporting.


• Practical experience implementing Earned Value Management and analyzing program cost and schedule performance.


• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams, subcontractors, and multiple operating locations.


• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, government contract administration, and DoD acquisition processes.


• Experience collaborating directly with Finance Controllers, Program Finance, Contracts, and executive leadership.


• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex contractual, operational, and financial challenges.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and financial reporting tools.


• Experience with government contracting ERP systems such as Deltek Costpoint.


• Strong knowledge of EAC/ETC forecasting, revenue analysis, margin management, and financial variance reporting.


• Understanding of integrated master scheduling, risk management, and performance measurement.


• Ability to interpret contractual requirements and translate them into executable operational and financial plans.


• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as required.


• Ability to travel: Up to 25%, based on program requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• TEN (10) or more years of aerospace and defense program management experience.


• Previous experience supporting U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army or Air Force aviation programs.


• Experience supporting NAVAIR, PMA organizations, or military aviation depots.


• Experience managing H-1, H-53, H-60, F5, C130, V22, or comparable military aircraft programs.


• Prior leadership experience with large defense contractors, aviation maintenance organizations, or aerospace OEMs.


• Experience with AS9100, AS9110, ISO 9001,CMMC, EHS/OSHA and Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) requirements.


• Experience managing both prime contracts and subcontracted government programs.


• Experience supporting proposal development, contract recompetes, and new program transitions.

Why Join ACET:

ACET continues to expand its aerospace and aviation sustainment operations supporting multiple Department of Defense aviation platforms worldwide. This position provides the opportunity to directly shape strategic sustainment growth initiatives while supporting operational readiness and mission success across the global aviation enterprise.

What We Offer:

At ACET, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive Total Rewards program that recognizes and supports the diverse needs of our workforce. Our offerings are designed to attract, motivate, and retain top talent while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and well-being.

Employee benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage


• Life insurance, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability


• 401(k) Program


• Wellness programs


• Paid Time Off


• 11 Paid Holidays


• Employee Referral Program


• Employee Assistance Program

Please note that all compensation, benefits, and policies are subject to change at the company's discretion. While we make every effort to provide advance notice of changes, adjustments may occur based on business needs, economic conditions, and industry standards.

**Must be US Citizen to apply**

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.

Drug Free Workplace:

ACET is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met as outlined in our policies.

ACET is an Equal Opportunity / Aff…

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.