JIRACOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Program Manager – Defense Programs

Department: Operations / Programs Division
Reports To: President / Executive Leadership
Location: JIRACOR Headquarters – Orlando, Florida
Office Address: 3275 Progress Drive, Orlando, FL 32826
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Security Clearance: Eligibility for DoD SECRET clearance required; active SECRET clearance preferred

1. Company Overview

JIRACOR is an established defense contractor headquartered in Orlando, Florida, providing engineering, technical, manufacturing, and program management services to the U.S. Department of Defense and major defense industry partners.

Founded in 2011, JIRACOR specializes in military training systems, systems integration, lifecycle logistics, reliability and maintainability, system safety, technology refresh, and specialized manufacturing.

JIRACOR operates under ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D quality management systems and maintains a strong commitment to technical excellence, customer satisfaction, and mission success.

2. Position Summary

JIRACOR is seeking an experienced, results-oriented Program Manager to join our team at JIRACOR's corporate headquarters in Orlando, Florida.

This is a full-time, on-site position responsible for leading the planning, coordination, execution, and successful delivery of multiple Department of Defense contracts and technical programs.

The Program Manager will be responsible for managing program budgets, schedules, contractual deliverables, technical requirements, subcontractors, and customer relationships while ensuring compliance with Government contract requirements and JIRACOR's established program management and quality processes.

This position requires a hands-on professional capable of leading multidisciplinary teams, interfacing directly with Government representatives and prime contractors, and managing multiple concurrent projects in a dynamic defense contracting environment.

In addition to Government program execution, the Program Manager will support internal research and development, engineering and manufacturing coordination, business development activities, and selected operational functions.

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, financial accountability, technical coordination, and communication skills.

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Program and Contract Management

• Serve as the primary Program Manager for assigned Department of Defense contracts, subcontracts, and internal technical programs.

• Manage programs throughout the contract lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, delivery, and closeout.

• Develop and maintain program management plans, integrated schedules, budgets, work breakdown structures (WBS), and milestone tracking systems.

• Monitor program performance against contractual scope, cost, schedule, quality, and technical requirements.

• Lead program kickoff meetings, Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings, and formal program reviews.

• Coordinate directly with Government Program Managers, Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs), prime contractors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.

• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate program risks, technical issues, schedule delays, and cost overruns.

• Coordinate contract modifications, technical changes, and scope adjustments with Contracts Management and executive leadership.

• Ensure timely completion of contractual milestones and customer commitments.

• Maintain program records, action-item registers, meeting minutes, and correspondence.

3.2 Financial Management, Cost Control & Scheduling

• Develop, monitor, and maintain program budgets, labor forecasts, cost estimates, and financial performance reports.

• Track program expenditures, labor utilization, material costs, subcontractor expenses, and other direct costs.

• Monitor actual costs against approved budgets and identify potential cost overruns.

• Develop estimates at completion (EAC), estimates to complete (ETC), and financial forecasts.

• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and cost-control techniques where required or appropriate.

• Develop and maintain detailed Microsoft Project schedules incorporating task dependencies, critical paths, milestones, and resource assignments.

• Monitor schedule performance and implement recovery plans when necessary.

• Support preparation of Basis of Estimate (BOE) documentation, technical cost proposals, and program pricing.

• Coordinate with Accounting and Contracts personnel to support accurate project cost tracking and invoicing.

• Provide executive management with regular cost, schedule, and program performance updates.

3.3 Government Reporting & Contract Deliverables

• Prepare, coordinate, review, and submit contractual reports and Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables.

• Develop program status reports, Integrated Program Management Reports (IPMRs), risk registers, milestone reports, and other required documentation.

• Ensure deliverables comply with Statements of Work (SOWs), Performance Work Statements (PWSs), Data Item Descriptions (DIDs), and applicable contract requirements.

• Coordinate technical documentation with engineering, quality assurance, logistics, manufacturing, and subcontractor personnel.

• Manage Government review comments, corrective actions, and deliverable resubmissions.

• Maintain deliverable tracking logs to ensure timely submission and Government acceptance.

• Support contract performance reviews, technical evaluations, and customer acceptance events.

• Ensure program documentation is accurate, complete, properly controlled, and submitted within contractual deadlines.

3.4 Technical Program Coordination & Systems Integration

• Coordinate engineering, logistics, manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and subcontractor activities supporting assigned programs.

• Oversee technical activities involving military training systems, simulation technologies, systems integration, electronics, IT infrastructure, and technical refresh.

• Coordinate engineering design, system integration, installation, testing, verification, validation, and acceptance activities.

• Support System Requirements Reviews (SRRs), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).

• Coordinate site surveys, engineering assessments, installation planning, and technical documentation when required.

• Ensure technical requirements, engineering changes, and customer specifications are properly communicated and implemented.

• Support configuration management, technical data control, and product quality requirements.

• Work closely with engineering and technical personnel to resolve technical challenges and maintain project schedules.

3.5 Internal Research, Development & Product Integration

• Coordinate internal research and development (IRAD) activities supporting advanced training systems and technical solutions.

• Develop and maintain internal development schedules, budgets, milestones, and resource requirements.

• Support prototype development, engineering integration, system testing, and production readiness.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering, software, manufacturing, and procurement teams.

• Monitor internal development costs, technical risks, schedules, and performance objectives.

• Maintain technical documentation, bills of materials, configuration records, and development reports.

• Coordinate suppliers and technical partners supporting development activities.

• Support technical demonstrations, customer evaluations, and product presentations.

• Provide executive leadership with development status reports and recommendations.

3.6 Operations, Logistics & Manufacturing Coordination

• Coordinate operational activities supporting assigned Government contracts and technical programs.

• Work with procurement, warehouse, logistics, and manufacturing personnel to ensure materials and equipment are available when required.

• Support production planning, material readiness, inventory control, and delivery schedules.

• Coordinate domestic and international shipping requirements associated with assigned programs.

• Support inventory management, material traceability, and configuration control using established company systems.

• Monitor subcontractor and supplier performance, including delivery schedules and material availability.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize schedule impacts.

• Support coordination of facility resources, equipment availability, and operational readiness for program execution.

3.7 Leadership & Team Coordination

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams consisting of engineering, logistics, manufacturing, procurement, quality assurance, and administrative personnel.

• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and project priorities.

• Coordinate internal resources to meet program objectives and contractual deadlines.

• Mentor team members and promote professional development.

• Facilitate effective communication between departments, customers, and subcontractors.

• Resolve operational and program-related issues in a timely and professional manner.

• Promote accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

• Ensure adherence to JIRACOR's Quality Management System and company policies.

3.8 Business Development & Proposal Support

• Support executive leadership and business development personnel in identifying and evaluating new Government contracting opportunities.

• Participate in technical proposal development, project planning, and cost-estimating activities.

• Prepare technical presentations, program execution approaches, schedules, and supporting proposal documentation.

• Coordinate with engineering and operations personnel to develop technical solutions for prospective customers.

• Participate in industry conferences, customer meetings, trade shows, and networking events.

• Support customer demonstrations and presentations of company capabilities.

• Assist with subcontractor coordination and teaming activities.

• Provide technical and program management input for competitive proposals and future business opportunities.

3.9 Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure assigned programs comply with applicable contractual requirements and company procedures.

• Promote adherence to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D quality management requirements.

• Coordinate with Quality Assurance personnel to support audits, corrective actions, and process improvements.

• Maintain accurate program documentation and objective evidence of contract performance.

• Support configuration management, document control, and risk management processes.

• Identify opportunities to improve program execution, reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

4. Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related discipline.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in program management, technical project management, logistics, or operations within the defense, aerospace, or Government contracting industry.

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent programs, budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and contractual deliverables.

• Experience working with Government customers, prime contractors, and multidisciplinary technical teams.

• Experience preparing program management documentation, customer reports, and technical deliverables.

Security Clearance & Citizenship Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense SECRET security clearance.

• Must be able to satisfy applicable Government background investigation, personnel security, and suitability requirements.

• Must comply with JIRACOR's security policies and applicable Government regulations regarding the protection of classified information, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and other sensitive Government information.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to U.S. military installations and Government facilities as required by assigned programs.

• An active SECRET security clearance is preferred but is not required at the time of hire.

5. Required Skills

• Program & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple Department of Defense contracts, including planning, execution, monitoring, reporting, and contract closeout.

• Government Contract Management: Strong knowledge of DoD contracting processes, Statements of Work (SOWs), Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), FAR/DFARS requirements, and contractual compliance.

• Budgeting & Cost Control: Ability to develop and manage program budgets, track expenditures, forecast costs, analyze variances, and monitor program profitability.

• Project Scheduling: Proficiency in Microsoft Project, including integrated schedules, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), critical-path analysis, milestones, and resource planning.

• Technical Program Coordination: Ability to coordinate engineering, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, systems integration, testing, and technical development activities.

• Government Reporting: Experience preparing program status reports, contractual deliverables, risk assessments, and executive-level presentations.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor program risks involving cost, schedule, technical performance, and contractual requirements.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage subcontractors, delegate responsibilities, and ensure accountability.

• Customer & Stakeholder Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience leading Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings, and Government program reviews.

• Financial Analysis & Reporting: Strong Microsoft Excel skills and ability to develop financial forecasts, cost-to-complete estimates, and program performance metrics.

• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve technical, operational, and contractual challenges.

• Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage competing priorities, meet contractual deadlines, and maintain accurate program documentation.

• Quality & Compliance: Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D quality management requirements and Government information security procedures.

• Computer Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.

6. Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent DoD program management training.

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Project Management.

• Experience managing U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, or other Department of Defense programs.

• Experience with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Time-and-Materials (T&M), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts.

• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), program cost accounting, and financial forecasting.

• Experience with military training systems, modeling and simulation, systems integration, or aerospace technologies.

• Experience supporting internal research and development and new product integration.

• Experience with manufacturing, inventory management, technical documentation, and configuration control.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Project critical-path scheduling and milestone management.

7. Work Environment & Travel

• Primary Work Location: JIRACOR Headquarters, 3275 Progress Drive, Orlando, Florida 32826.

• On-Site Requirement: This is a full-time, on-site position. Regular attendance at JIRACOR's Orlando headquarters is required.

• Work is performed in a professional office and technical manufacturing environment.

• Regular collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality assurance, and executive leadership is required.

• Travel to Government installations, subcontractor facilities, customer locations, and industry events may be required.

• Candidates must be able to meet applicable Government installation access and security requirements.

8. Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout office, manufacturing, warehouse, and technical work areas as required.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment and computers for extended periods.

• Ability to travel to Government installations, customer facilities, and project locations as required.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

9. Key Performance Expectations

The Program Manager will be evaluated based on:

1. Program Execution: Successful completion of assigned programs within contractual scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.

2. Financial Performance: Effective management of program budgets, expenditures, cost forecasts, and profitability.

3. Contract Deliverables: Timely and accurate submission of required CDRLs, status reports, and other contractual documentation.

4. Customer Satisfaction: Professional communication and effective relationships with Government representatives, prime contractors, and subcontractors.

5. Technical Coordination: Effective management of engineering, integration, testing, and manufacturing activities.

6. Leadership: Successful coordination of multidisciplinary teams and internal resources.

7. Internal Development: Effective coordination of assigned research, development, and technical integration initiatives.

8. Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated improvements in program management processes, reporting, cost control, and operational efficiency.

9. Security Compliance: Consistent adherence to applicable Government security requirements and JIRACOR's information protection policies.

10. Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by executive leadership to support JIRACOR's operational requirements, contractual commitments, and organizational objectives.

• Assist with special projects, internal initiatives, and cross-functional activities as needed.

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support additional responsibilities consistent with the employee's qualifications and the company's business needs.

11. Why Join JIRACOR?

JIRACOR offers an opportunity to manage challenging defense programs while working directly with company leadership, Government customers, and experienced technical professionals.

The Program Manager will play an important role in delivering mission-critical training, engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment solutions to the U.S. defense community.

We value accountability, technical excellence, teamwork, innovation, and professional development.

12. Equal Employment Opportunity

JIRACOR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

JIRACOR provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.