Program Manager

Program Manager

Location: McLean, VA

Position Overview

Seeking a Program Manager to oversee multiple aerospace and defense programs from contract award through product delivery. This individual will manage the full project lifecycle, coordinate cross-functional teams, ensure milestones are met, and serve as the primary customer interface throughout execution.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management & Execution: Oversee and drive the successful execution of manufacturing and service delivery programs, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives across multiple customer sectors.

• Develop and implement strategic program plans to achieve company success and expansion
• Oversee and manage multiple project teams, ensuring that program goals, milestones, and deliverables are met
• Manage budgets and funding channels to optimize productivity and financial efficiency
• Support business development efforts by identifying and securing new program opportunities and contracts
• Utilize technical expertise and communication skills to understand customer challenges and position solutions effectively
• Maintain high standards of quality, performance, and customer satisfaction across all programs
• Proven experience operating within Quality Management Systems environments

Project Oversight & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Lead program assessment and evaluation efforts, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
• Develop and maintain strong coordination with customers on current and future projects
• Oversee all aspects of multiple projects, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, procurement, quality, and stakeholder management
• Collaborate with project sponsors, cross-functional teams, and project managers to define scope, deliverables, resource needs, and timelines for new initiatives
• Ensure effective vendor and internal resource management to drive optimal performance

Performance Monitoring & Communication:

• Accurately forecast capital, expenses, and resource utilization across projects
• Track and monitor project progress, providing regular status updates and performance insights
• Serve as a key participant in program and project team meetings, contributing to strategic discussions and problem-solving efforts
• Manage all program-related communications, escalating key issues and presenting resolution options to leadership
• Ensure adherence to quality assurance procedures and compliance standards

Proposal Development & Business Growth Support:

• Contribute to the development of quotations, proposals, and customer presentations
• Collaborate with internal teams to support customer acquisition and retention initiatives
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership based on market trends, competitor analysis, and program performance data

Qualifications

• 8+ years of program/project management experience in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, logistics, or engineering industries.
• Experience supporting government contracts as a contractor (not a direct federal employee).
• PMP certification is a plus
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, fabrication, production processes, and/or transportation logistics.
• Experience with new product development and factory acceptance testing (FAT).
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and customer-facing skills.
• Self-motivated team player with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a hands-on program leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is comfortable managing client expectations, asks questions when needed, and can effectively drive projects to completion.