Assistant Program Manager - Defense

Mettle Ops; Madison Heights (MI); On-site; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Mettle Ops in Madison Heights, MI seeks an Assistant Program Manager to drive defense program execution, coordinate across teams, manage schedules, costs, and quality. This hands-on role focuses on contract flow and operational performance.

You will translate objectives into actionable plans, monitor progress, identify risks, and work with leadership to keep programs on track in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
• Experience coordinating defense or government contracts is preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day execution of U.S. Army and defense-related programs.
• Break down program objectives into actionable tasks and track progress.
• Coordinate activities across internal teams to ensure alignment with program priorities.
• Monitor schedules, milestones, and deliverables to ensure timely execution.
• Identify risks, delays, and blockers, and address them proactively.
• Communicate program status, progress, and issues to leadership.

Skills

Program coordination

Operations management

Contract support

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Documentation & records

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Job description

About the Organization

Mettle Ops is a woman-owned business experienced in defense program management, federal acquisitions, business development, engineering, analysis, reporting, and risk management with the mission of helping soldiers survive on the battlefield. Through transparency and grit, Mettle Ops delivers multidisciplinary, comprehensive Department of Defense engineering solutions to government and industry partners on a national scale with a mission to build business based on a philosophy of hard work and dedication. Mettle Ops believes they have a high obligation to the warfighter, their home state of Michigan, their customers, their employees, their faith, and their place on this earth. Mettle Ops is inspired by courage and tenacity and so-named Mettle Ops.

EOE Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Description

The Assistant Program Manager (APM) supports the successful execution of defense-related programs, with a strong focus on contract flow, operational coordination, and program performance.

This role is responsible for keeping programs moving-tracking activities, coordinating across teams, managing materials and subcontractors, and ensuring alignment with schedule, cost, and quality expectations.

The APM works closely with program leadership to translate program objectives into actionable plans, monitor execution, and proactively address risks or delays.

This is a hands-on, execution-driven role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, structured environments where accountability and follow-through matter

Key Responsibilities

Program Execution & Coordination

• Support day-to-day execution of U.S. Army and defense-related programs
• Break down program objectives into actionable tasks and track progress
• Coordinate activities across internal teams to ensure alignment with program priorities
• Monitor schedules, milestones, and deliverables to ensure timely execution
• Identify risks, delays, and blockers, and extend as needed
• Communicate program status, progress, and issues to leadership

Contract & Operations Management

• Track and support all activities required to maintain contract flow
• Request quotes, issue purchase orders, and coordinate procurement activities
• Organize and track shipping, deliveries, and material flow
• Plan and monitor the use of materials across programs
• Maintain accurate records related to contracts, materials, and program activity
• Ensure alignment between contract requirements and operational execution
• GSA schedules

Subcontractor & Customer Coordination

• Maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors and customers
• Communicate requirements, pricing, timelines, and deliverables clearly
• Ensure subcontractors are aligned with program expectations and schedules
• Provide timely updates and support issue resolution as needed

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Review program and operational data to track performance and productivity
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement
• Support reporting on program health, execution metrics, and outcomes
• Assist in maintaining accountability for schedule, cost, and quality

Process, Compliance & Quality Support

• Support compliance with company and industry standards, including:
  • ISO requirements
  • AS9100 standards
• Assist in maintaining and improving internal processes and documentation
• Contribute to quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with engineering, operations, quality, and leadership teams
• Help ensure alignment between program goals and execution activities
• Support planning, prioritization, and resource coordination

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
• 5-8 years of relevant experience in program coordination, operations, or contract support (defense environment preferred)
• Experience supporting U.S. government or defense contracts
• Strong organizational and coordination skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an Assistant Program Manager (APM) or similar role
• DAU / DAWIA certification (or in progress) strongly preferred
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes
• Experience with subcontractor management and procurement processes
• Familiarity with regulated environments (defense, aerospace, etc.)
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one
• Military experience preferred
• EVM familiarity, ITAR familiarity, FAR/DFAR familiarity
• DoD/ DoW experience preferred
• Experience with ACAT I programs
• Active security clearance

Core Competencies

• Program coordination and execution
• Contract and operations management
• Schedule and task tracking
• Risk identification and escalation
• Communication and stakeholder management
• Process discipline and attention to detail
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Accountability and follow-through

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Salary $145,000 - $155,000

This position is currently accepting applications.

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