Program Design Lead

General Dynamics Land Systems; London; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Ontario seeks a Program Design Lead to enhance vehicle design and development. Responsibilities include overseeing engineering teams, managing project deliverables, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in project management, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in MS Office applications. This role offers an opportunity to directly impact the success of defense projects and contribute to the safety of soldiers.

Benefits

Generous bonus program

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience, including project management experience.
• Customer and detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to plan, analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to travel and possess a valid passport.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and monitor vehicle design and development activities.
• Drive program priorities to meet cost, schedule, and quality targets.
• Track and report on program performance in accordance with EVMS requirements.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Negotiation skills

Education

University degree or college diploma

Tools

MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Description

At General Dynamics Land Systems we put our Customers at the centre of everything we do. Our commitment to protect and enable the men and women who serve, drives us to develop products and systems that give them a clear advantage for mission success. We are looking for passionate individuals to help us deliver innovative, unique solutions to our Customers.

The Program Design Lead plays a key role in guiding vehicle design and development activities, ensuring engineering excellence and program success. In this position, the Design Lead provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams, driving the execution of complex design efforts from concept through to delivery. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, proactive communication, and disciplined program performance to meet cost, schedule and quality objectives.

Key Job Elements

• Lead, coordinate, and monitor vehicle design and development activities, liaising with multidisciplinary engineering teams from concept to delivery.
• Drive program priorities to meet cost, schedule, and quality targets through strong technical acumen.
• Collaborate across departments to resolve issues, manage configurations, and maintain project momentum.
• Track and report on program performance in accordance with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) requirements, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved.
• Build trusted relationships with internal teams and external partners to support seamless program execution.
• Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and contractual documentation with precision and clarity.
• Support bid and proposal efforts, contributing technical insights and program expertise.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive continuous efficiency gains.
• Ensure compliance with all program and regulatory requirements (ITAR, EAR, FCPA, GP, SOX, etc.).
• Provide support and coverage for the Associate Program Manager, as required.

Required Qualifications

• University degree or college diploma
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience, including project management experience
• Ability to respond to customer requirements and manage expectations while ensuring satisfaction
• Customer and detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to plan, analyze and solve problems
• Superior organizational skills with the ability to be agile, set priorities and multi-task under pressure
• Self-motivated and effective in a multi-disciplinary team, including to facilitate discussions
• Experience developing and delivering presentations
• Experience creating or maintaining metrics or other performance reports
• Strong oral, written, and presentation communication skills
• Experience in MS Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint
• Negotiating skills and experience
• Ability to travel and possess / be able to acquire and maintain a valid passport

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP designation or working towards
• Understanding of GDLS-C Program processes, standards, and measurements
• Familiarity with and / or experience in military and GDLS-C
• Product knowledge and defense industry or military experience
• Previous experience working with government contracts
• Related customer experience
• EVMS and Bid-X experience

Total Rewards

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous bonus program, health, and dental coverage. Our compensation structure is designed to reward performance and support the well‑being of our team members.

Advance Your Career and Safeguard Our Soldiers

Are you ready to make a meaningful difference? At General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, you will have the unique opportunity to directly contribute to the safety and success of Canadian soldiers. This is more than just a career move – it’s a chance to grow professionally while playing a vital role in safeguarding those who protect us. Apply today!