The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading complex Department of Defense (DoD) Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) programs from contract award through serial production. This role oversees cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution while meeting government contract requirements, cost and schedule objectives, and technical performance goals.
Experience within the aerospace and defense industry, supporting major defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, or similar organizations. Proven experience managing large-scale defense acquisition programs, driving engineering collaboration, mitigating program risks, and delivering results in a highly regulated environment is essential.
This position requires 25% travel.
Assignment of Functions and Responsibilities:
Lead and manage complex DoD EMD programs valued more than $20M+.
Serve as the primary interface between government customers, subcontractors, executive leadership, and program stakeholders.
Direct all phases of program execution including:
Program planning and startup
Systems engineering integration
Design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
Test and evaluation activities
Manufacturing readiness reviews
Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) transition
Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk using Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies.
Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Integrated Master Plans (IMP).
Lead cross-functional teams consisting of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, contracts, finance, and business development personnel.
Ensure compliance with applicable acquisition regulations including FAR, DFARS, and DoD 5000-series guidance.
Establish and maintain strong customer relationships with military branches, government agencies, and prime contractors.
Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and opportunities.
Prepare and present executive-level program reviews, milestone briefings, and customer status updates.
Support proposal development, capture activities, and strategic growth initiatives.
Core Competencies
Minimum Requirements for Education, Skillset, Qualifications, and Experience:
Must be a US Citizen
Bachelor's degree in engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Business Management, or related discipline.
Minimum 10+ years of Program Management experience supporting DoD programs.
Minimum 5+ years managing Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) contracts.
Demonstrated experience working for or directly supporting major defense primes such as:
Northrop Grumman
Lockheed Martin
RTX
General Dynamics
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
L3Harris Technologies
Experience managing programs through major acquisition milestones and production transition.
Strong understanding of:
Earned Value Management (EVMS)
Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
Risk Management Frameworks
Systems Engineering processes
Configuration Management
Defense Acquisition Lifecycle
Experience managing government contracts exceeding $20M.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance - Desired.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Program Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience with:
Large Scale Metallic Fabrication
High Security Protection systems
Armor Systems
DoD Facility Infrastructure Systems
Active Secret clearance.
Experience with Agile development methodologies in defense environments.