Senior Program Manager

Job Title: Senior Program ManagerJob Description

This Senior Program Manager role leads complex defense and aerospace development and production programs from contract award through delivery. You will serve as the primary point of contact for customers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams, ensuring that cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction objectives are consistently achieved. The position is ideal for a highly collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment, brings a strong technical foundation, and can navigate program challenges, changing priorities, and competing demands while maintaining a clear focus on delivering results. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, and Business Development teams to drive program success throughout the entire lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day execution of multiple programs and projects while ensuring alignment with contractual, financial, technical, and schedule requirements.
• Own overall program performance, including budget management, resource planning, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) from program kickoff through final delivery and program closeout.
• Develop executable program plans and ensure timely completion of all program milestones.
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives and resolve issues.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for all matters related to program execution.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through effective communication, proactive engagement, and timely issue resolution.
• Represent programs during customer reviews, executive leadership meetings, and technical discussions.
• Coordinate with Contracts and Legal teams on contract interpretation, modifications, and compliance requirements.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks throughout the program lifecycle, and clearly communicate risk status to stakeholders.
• Lead recovery efforts when programs encounter schedule, cost, technical, or resource challenges.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans to address program deviations and restore performance to plan.
• Manage engineering changes, customer-directed modifications, and scope adjustments while maintaining program objectives and commitments.
• Manage program budgets covering labor, materials, subcontractors, travel, and other direct costs.
• Conduct schedule and cost performance analysis and provide clear, data-driven program status updates to Senior leadership.
• Utilize Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and metrics to track program health and forecast cost and schedule performance.
• Monitor program profitability and support strategic decision-making through detailed financial and performance analysis.
• Support proposal, capture, and bid activities for new and existing programs.
• Collaborate with Business Development teams to identify growth opportunities within existing customer accounts.
• Review statements of work, technical requirements, schedules, and pricing during proposal development to ensure executable and competitive bids.

Essential Skills

• 7+ years of experience managing defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated technical programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading product development programs from concept through production and delivery.
• Strong understanding of program management tools, processes, and best practices.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, technical performance, and resource planning across complex programs.
• Knowledge of Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Quality functions and how they integrate within programs.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), including variance analysis, forecasting, and program reporting.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage programs supporting both domestic and international customers.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Business, or another related STEM discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PMP, DAU, or equivalent Program Management certification.
• Active DoD Security Clearance.
• Experience managing DoD programs as either a prime contractor or subcontractor.
• Experience working within Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFARS) environments.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams supporting advanced technology products and systems.

Work Environment

This position is based in Melbourne, FL and follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing a structured yet flexible work pattern. You will operate in a highly regulated defense and aerospace environment that emphasizes compliance, disciplined program execution, and collaboration across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, Quality, and Business Development. Work involves close coordination with domestic and international customers, regular program reviews, and the use of formal program management tools and Earned Value Management (EVM) practices to monitor performance. The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on meeting contractual commitments, managing risk, and delivering high-technology products and systems throughout the full program lifecycle.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Melbourne, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $178000.00/yr.

Competitive salary, 401(k) with company match, medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA contributions, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, generous PTO, wellness programs, and a flexible 9/80 schedule offering every other Friday off.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Melbourne,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.