Project Manager II - Sustainment and Support

Description

Who We Are

Founded in 1995, Vigor Marine Group is an established, innovative and integrated partner with a national footprint in the marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication and marine services. Evolving over decades from a collection of the best-in-class companies with unique and complementary capabilities on the East and West coasts, our spirit of innovation and legacy of performance make Vigor Marine Group a preferred, full-service prime contractor in the defense and maritime sectors. Today we offer advanced services and complete solutions for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Military Sealift Command, state ferry systems, the cruise industry, the commercial fishing industry and more.

With four shipyards for maintenance and modernization and one for fabrication, including the largest floating dry dock in the western hemisphere, our more than 2,500 dedicated employees across four states – from the Pacific Northwest to San Diego to Norfolk – personify the values of our company. Vigor Marine Group takes pride in being the employer of choice for our employees, who in turn take great pride in their contributions to the communities where they live and work, and to their nation – through their living wage jobs supporting their local economies, and through the word-class maritime and industrial services they provide to further our defense readiness and national security.

Where we are – Marine Fabrication

Vancouver, Washington is surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains and is a top destination for outdoor lovers. It has a mild climate with four seasons. Its mild winters and warm summers make it an attractive city in the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver is more affordable city than its neighbors, Portland and Seattle and has no state income tax. It is a vibrant city full of restaurants, shops and parks, and is known for its walkability, historic charm and family friendly neighborhoods. Vancouver has garnered many awards including Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025 and 2023” and Niche’s 2025 rankings include Vancouver on several lists including Best City for Outdoor Activities, a Healthiest Place to Live in America and several others. Healthcare is the city’s largest employer, followed by manufacturing and technology.

PAY RANGE: $116,000 – 129,000

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Sustainment & Support Project Manager is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and growth of sustainment-related efforts across naval shipbuilding and lifecycle support programs. This role operates as a project manager for sustainment and support scope, with primary accountability for cost, schedule, performance, and customer satisfaction. The Sustainment Manager serves as the primary interface between the shipbuilder and the customer for all sustainment activities, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements and long-term fleet readiness objectives. The Sustainment * Support Project Manager reports directly to the Sustainment & Support Lead, who in turn reports directly to the Vigor Marine Fabrication Vice President & General Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

(This list is not intended to detail all aspects of the assigned work but is representative of the job’s overall responsibilities.) 

Program & Schedule Management

• Develop, maintain, and execute integrated sustainment program plans aligned with ship construction, delivery, and post-delivery support milestones
• Build and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for sustainment efforts, including provisioning, technical data delivery, training, and field support
• Identify schedule risks and opportunities; implement mitigation and recovery plans to maintain on-time delivery
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure sustainment deliverables are synchronized with shipyard production and test events

Cost Management & Reporting 

• Establish and manage sustainment program budgets, including labor, material, and subcontractor costs
• Monitor program financial performance using Earned Value Management (EVM) or equivalent methods
• Develop Estimates at Completion (EACs), variance analyses, and corrective action plans
• Provide regular financial and performance reporting to internal leadership and external customer

Customer Interface & Communications

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the customer on all sustainment program matters
• Lead program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and status briefings with customer representatives (e.g., Navy program offices, SUPSHIP, or fleet representatives)
• Ensure clear, consistent, and proactive communication of program status, risks, and issues
• Build strong customer relationships and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction

New Business & Growth

• Lead or support capture efforts for sustainment-related new business opportunities, including proposals for follow-on support, modernization, and lifecycle services
• Develop Basis of Estimates (BOEs), staffing plans, and execution strategies for proposals
• Identify opportunities to expand sustainment scope, improve affordability, and enhance long-term customer value
• Collaborate with business development and contracts teams to shape and win new work

Integration & Governance

• Ensure sustainment activities are fully integrated with ship construction, test, and delivery organizations
• Support internal governance reviews, gate reviews, and program audits
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, company policies, and applicable naval standards

Risk & Issue Management

• Identify, assess, and manage program risks and issues related to sustainment scope
• Maintain risk registers and lead mitigation planning and execution
• Escalate critical issues as needed and drive timely resolution across functional organizations

Program Battle Rhythm Support

• Coordinate recurring project meetings, including cost reviews, schedule reviews, and project status meetings.
• Track action items and distribute meeting minutes to ensure timely follow-up.
• Assist in preparing project performance briefings and management reporting.

Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement

• Support the documentation of project lessons learned and improvement opportunities.
• Assist in capturing and sharing best practices across projects to improve project execution and performance management. 

JOB SCOPE:

The Sustainment & Support Project Manager is a key member of the Vigor Marine Fabrication Sustainment and Support Group. The Sustainment and Support Group also includes ILSM, Sea Trials & Test, and Field Service.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Advanced knowledge of program management principles including scope, schedule, cost, risk, and performance management
• Deep understanding of Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) development, critical path analysis, and schedule risk assessment
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) in accordance with MIL-STD-881 and EIA-748
• Familiarity with Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Control Accounts, and performance measurement baselines.
• Familiarity with watercraft systems (mechanical, electrical, combat systems)
• Understanding of DoD acquisition lifecycle phases and sustainment planning integration
• Knowledge of contract types (e.g., CPFF, FFP, incentive-based contracts) and their impact on cost management
• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, Estimate at Completion (EAC), and variance analysis
• Familiarity with government reporting requirements and program reviews
• Knowledge of shipyard production environments and how sustainment activities integrate with construction, test, and delivery is preferred
• Awareness of configuration management, change control processes, and engineering change impacts to sustainment scope
• Understanding of supply chain, provisioning, and material planning in a defense environment
• Customer focus and communication
• Attention to detail and compliance
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related field required.
• 8+ years of experience in program management, shipbuilding, defense, or sustainment-related environment Professional certifications related to project or program management (such as PMP or equivalent) are preferred.
• Experience with project controls, cost management, earned value management, or program performance reporting in a complex project environment is preferred.
• Experience in ship repair, shipbuilding, heavy industrial manufacturing, defense programs, or other technically complex production environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with lifecycle support concepts, maintenance planning, or fleet operations.

Vigor and its wholly owned subsidiaries are committed to inclusion and diversity by providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, genetics, the presence of a physical or mental condition or disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or any other protected class under relevant laws in the locations we operate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and can be requested with Vigor’s Human Resources Department.