Director of Technical Program Management

Director of Technical Program Management

AimLock is seeking a Director of Technical Program Management to lead execution of mission-critical programs supporting defense, security, and government customers in the U.S. and internationally. This role is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of complex, multidisciplinary programs across software, hardware, and integrated systemsensuring delivery excellence across both internally funded R&D and customer-contracted efforts.

This leader will drive alignment between engineering execution, customer requirements, and contractual obligations while establishing scalable program management processes across the enterprise. The Director will operate at the intersection of advanced technology, operations, and government acquisition environmentsensuring programs meet stringent performance, cost, schedule, and compliance standards across multiple jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in regulated or defense-related environments and places the highest priority on building and maintaining strong, trusted relationships with customers around the world. They excel in high-accountability environments where proactive communication, responsiveness, and consistent customer alignment are essential to mission success. This individual can translate evolving mission needs into executable technical strategies while maintaining close, ongoing engagement with global stakeholders. This role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on collaboration with engineering teams, customers, and executive stakeholders.

At AimLock, we are committed to advancing capabilities that matter. This role must embody our core values: Dedication to the Mission, Fearless Innovation, Relentless Learning, and an Attitude of Service.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Mission Leadership

• Lead execution of complex programs supporting defense, security, and government customers
• Ensure delivery in accordance with cost, schedule, and performance baselines
• Translate operational needs and requirements into executable engineering plans
• Oversee Integrated Master Schedules and program baselines
• Drive systems engineering rigor including requirements capture and validation
• Conduct cost/schedule/performance trade-offs
• Lead and oversee R&D teams, ensuring innovation and execution are tightly aligned with customer needs and long-term strategic partnerships

Contracting, Compliance & Governance

• Manage full contract lifecycle across domestic and international customers
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, export controls, and other regulations
• Support proposals, SOWs, and program documentation
• Ensure audit readiness and reporting compliance

Technical Execution & Engineering Alignment

• Align engineering efforts with program and customer priorities
• Bridge communication between technical teams and stakeholders
• Ensure feasibility, integration, and risk mitigation across systems
• Standardize tools, templates, and processes
• Implement portfolio management and prioritization
• Lead risk management and lessons learned

Financial & Operational Management

• Own program financial performance
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Ensure resource alignment and internal controls

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years technical program/project management experience
• 5+ years leadership experience
• Experience in defense, aerospace, security, or regulated industries
• Knowledge of government contracting environments
• Experience with project management tools and platforms
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance if required
• Working knowledge of AI-driven workflow optimization, including prompt-based tools and task automation

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Experience with international defense or security programs
• Knowledge of export controls (ITAR/EAR)
• Startup or high-growth company experience

Work Conditions

• Work is performed in a professional office environment with typical noise levels.
• Occasional exposure to non-office settings, including operational sites, outdoor environments, or higher-noise areas, may be required.
• Occasional to frequent international travel, depending on business needs and global responsibilities.

Salary Range:

• $150,000 to $180,000

Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision coverage, with company contributions, along with voluntary life and short-term/long-term disability coverage. Plus, take advantage of our 401K plan with up to 4% company match.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

Our schedule is designed with your work-life balance in mind. We offer a 9/80 schedule, that means you enjoy a three-day weekend every other week. Plus, flexible arrival and departure times, a generous PTO policy, and 12 paid holidays annually ensure you have the time you need to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.

Ridgewood Talent Acquisition