AETC Operations - Sr. Program Manager

Applied Energy Technology Corp; Burton (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Energy Technology Corp seeks a Senior Energetic Program Manager to lead cradle-to-grave aerospace and engineering programs. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage safety-critical systems, and collaborate with government stakeholders from concept through deployment.

The role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to risk management and process improvements across multiple initiatives.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in program management, systems engineering, or technical leadership in aerospace/defense/high-reliability industries.
• Proven track record managing complex, safety-critical systems and hardware programs.
• Experience with MBSE, V&V, and government programs (FAR, ITAR) and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program management across aerospace and engineering initiatives, from concept to deployment.
• Direct cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, safety, and procurement to meet objectives.
• Collaborate with engineers to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions.
• Partner with customer support to surface insights and improvements for products.
• Align stakeholders on goals, timelines, and deliverables; manage risks and dependencies.
• Oversee requirements development, verification and validation, and system integration.
• Interface with government agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.

Skills

Strategic program leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Risk identification & mitigation

Executive reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

CAD (SolidWorks)

Microsoft Project

Job description

Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Senior Energetic Program Manager to lead complex customer support activates, business, development, high-speed aerospace and engineering programs from concept through execution (“cradle to grave”). This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership of cross-functional teams, and the ability to manage large-scale programs involving advanced systems, safety-critical hardware, and government stakeholders. You’ll work closely with engineers and business development to build scalable solutions, partner with support teams to turn customer insights into improvements, products, and collaborate with business development to align on growth initiatives and strategic partnerships.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end program management across multiple aerospace and engineering initiatives, including system design, development, testing, and deploymentDirect and coordinate cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams (engineering, quality, safety, procurement, and contracts) to achieve program objectivesCollaborate with engineers to deliver high-impact, scalable solutionsPartner with customer support to surface insights, trends, and improvement opportunitiesAlign stakeholders on goals, timelines, and deliverablesProactively identify risks, dependencies, and process gaps—and resolve themAdvocate for customer-centric thinking in product and technical decisionDefine program scope, technical requirements, deliverables, and success metrics aligned with customer and organizational goalsOversee requirements development, verification and validation (V&V), and systems integration across subsystems.Manage program risks, safety compliance, and mission assurance for hazardous and safety-critical systemsDevelop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations (FTEs/EPs)Interface with government agencies, customers, and regulatory bodies (e.g., FAA, DoD, NASA) to ensure compliance and approvalsDrive creation of technical documentation including Statements of Work (SOW),Provide regular executive-level reporting on program performance, risks, milestones, and financialsLead process improvements and establish engineering and program management best practices across organizationsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field15+ years of experience in program management, systems engineering, or technical leadership within aerospace, defense, or high-reliability industriesProven experience managing complex, safety-critical systems and hardware programsStrong background in systems engineering processes, including requirements management, MBSE, and V&VExperience with government programs, regulatory compliance, and contract management (FAR, ITAR)Demonstrated leadership of large, multidisciplinary teams and resource planningExperience with risk management, safety and mission assurance (S&MA), and quality systemsPreferred QualificationsBackground in explosives, pyrotechnics, ordnance, or hazardous systems engineeringPMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certificationFamiliarity with tools such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, CAD platforms (Solidworks), and Microsoft ProjectKey SkillsStrategic program leadership and executionCross-functional team leadership and stakeholder managementRisk identification, mitigation, and safety oversightTechnical decision-making in high-consequence environmentsContract negotiation and procurement managementExcellent communication and executive reporting skills