Program Manager III

Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex defense and aerospace programs, ensuring successful delivery while maintaining compliance with federal regulations and industry standards. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in program management best practices to ensure successful execution, customer satisfaction, and business growth. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience managing U.S. Army acquisition programs through the full lifecycle from development to production.
Responsibilities and Tasks

Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, execution, and delivery of production programs.
Develop and maintain basis of estimates, program schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
Manage program risks and issues, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
Interface with government customers, prime contractors, and key stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other relevant regulations.
Prepare and present program status reports to senior management and customers.
Monitor contract deliverables and coordinate with finance teams for accurate program financials.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within assigned programs.
Manage transition of products from development to full-rate production.
Coordinate with Customer acquisition officials and support milestone reviews.
Oversee production readiness reviews and manufacturing process validation.
Apply strategic thinking to align objectives with organizational goals and drive long-term value. Support marketing, bid, capture and proposal development.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
5+ years of program management experience in defense, aerospace, or related industries.
Active Secret security clearance.
Strong knowledge of DOD acquisition processes and military standards.
Strong critical thinking, analytical, risk management and leadership skills.
Demonstrated experience with earned value management (EVM) principles preferred.
Proficiency in MS Project, MS Office Suite, and program management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

PMP certification preferred.
Experience managing U.S. Army acquisition programs through development and production phases.
Knowledge of Army acquisition milestones and documentation requirements.
Familiarity with production readiness reviews (PRRs) and manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs).
Experience executing and managing U.S. Army testing and evaluation requirements.
Background in New Product Introduction transitioning prototype systems to full-rate production.

Technical Knowledge

Understanding of systems engineering principles.
Knowledge of military/aerospace standards (MIL-STD, AS9100).
Familiarity with government contracting (FAR/DFARS).
Experience with agile and traditional project management methodologies.
Knowledge of production and manufacturing processes.
Understanding of Army technical documentation requirements.

Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Risk management and mitigation expertise.
Stakeholder management and customer relationship skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Understanding of program documentation (RFPs, proposals, contracts, SOWs, assumptions, constraints, CDRLs).
Experience coordinating with government acquisition officials.

Travel/Physical Requirements

Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Must be able to access military installations and secure facilities.
May require occasional work in industrial environments.

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