Job Title: Program Manager

Job Description

This Program Manager role leads complex, multi-disciplinary programs in support of Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives. You will oversee cross-functional efforts, ensure alignment with customer goals and regulatory requirements, and drive programs from initiation through completion within established DoD acquisition frameworks. Acting as a key liaison between government stakeholders, senior leadership, and external partners, you will ensure seamless communication, technical rigor, and successful execution across the entire program lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) spanning engineering, production, quality, supply chain, procurement, and development to deliver program objectives.
• Define and align project scope, schedules, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) in collaboration with internal stakeholders, government customers, research laboratories, and industry partners.
• Ensure programs remain aligned with customer priorities and the organization’s integrated operations strategy throughout the lifecycle.
• Serve as a primary liaison with program management offices (PMOs), government agencies, and subcontractors, representing the organization in all program-related engagements.
• Lead budget planning activities, including cost analysis, forecasting, and financial tracking in accordance with DoD acquisition guidelines such as FAR and DFARS.
• Manage program budgets and track expenditures, implementing cost reduction strategies while maintaining program quality and performance.
• Oversee subcontractor performance and vendor coordination, ensuring timely procurement and effective management of suppliers and partners.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and technical teams to evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies into program solutions.
• Ensure all technical deliverables meet defined program requirements, contractual obligations, and customer expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the program lifecycle by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, technologies, and outcomes.
• Ensure strict compliance with DoD acquisition regulations, export control laws, and internal policies and procedures.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, developing and implementing contingency plans to maintain schedule, cost, and performance targets.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and reporting for internal leadership and external stakeholders, including government customers and partners.
• Provide clear, proactive communication to senior leadership and stakeholders on program status, risks, issues, and corrective actions.
• Lead programs from start to completion, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and achievement of all technical and contractual requirements.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and programs, including full lifecycle oversight from initiation through completion.
• Proven expertise in budget management, including planning, cost analysis, tracking expenditures, and implementing cost reduction strategies.
• Hands-on experience with contract execution and vendor/subcontractor oversight in a DoD manufacturing or defense acquisition environment.
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes and regulations, including familiarity with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement).
• Demonstrated success in leading Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and driving effective cross-functional collaboration across engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and procurement.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is required.
• Ability to manage defense manufacturing programs, including coordination of quality, supply chain, procurement, and stakeholder management activities.
• Strong stakeholder management and vendor management skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain productive relationships with government customers and industry partners.
• Technically savvy, with the ability to understand, evaluate, and clearly communicate complex systems, technologies, and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present program status, risks, and recommendations clearly and confidently.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a track record of guiding teams, making informed decisions, and driving accountability.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to ma