Development Program Manager

Sanmina; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanmina Corporation, a global EMS leader, is seeking a Development Program Manager in Huntsville, AL to lead complex defense programs involving avionics system development and integration.

You will oversee project execution, manage technical and contractual requirements, and interface with military and industry stakeholders. A strong background in engineering, program management, and government contracting is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in defense & aerospace development or 5+ years in program management for defense contracts.
• Experience with DoD programs, military avionics systems, and safety-critical software/hardware.
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Deltek, Jira).
• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage development programs from concept to deployment, ensuring compliance with DoD acquisition processes, DFARS, and MIL-STDs.
• Oversee program budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Ensure avionics hardware/software development meets DO-178C and DO-254 standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison between government agencies, prime contractors, and internal teams.
• Manage cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure project success.
• Ensure ITAR, EAR, and cybersecurity compliance (CMMC, NIST 800-171) for defense contracts.
• Drive technical reviews, risk assessments, and program milestones to ensure on-time delivery.
• Prepare and present program status reports, proposals, and technical documentation to leadership and stakeholders.
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor performance, ensuring quality and contract compliance.

Skills

Program management

Defense & aerospace experience

PM tools

Security clearance

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Systems Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Deltek

Jira

Job description

Description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.

At SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.

Our heritage dates to 1961, as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments - Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It's SCI summed up - ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.

Summary

At this time, SCI is recruiting highly qualified candidates whose background and career goals meet our needs for a Development Program Manager position in Huntsville, AL. We are seeking an experienced Development Program Manager to lead complex defense programs involving avionics system development and integration. This role will oversee project execution, manage technical and contractual requirements, and interface with military and industry stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a strong background in engineering, program management, and government contracting.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage development programs from concept to deployment, ensuring compliance with DoD acquisition processes, DFARS, and MIL-STDs.
• Oversee program budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Ensure avionics hardware/software development meets DO-178C and DO-254 standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison between government agencies, prime contractors, and internal teams.
• Manage cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure project success.
• Ensure ITAR, EAR, and cybersecurity compliance (CMMC, NIST 800-171) for defense contracts.
• Drive technical reviews, risk assessments, and program milestones to ensure on-time delivery.
• Prepare and present program status reports, proposals, and technical documentation to leadership and stakeholders.
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor performance, ensuring quality and contract compliance.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in defense & aerospace development, and/or 5+ years in program management for defense contracts.
• Experience with DoD programs, military avionics systems, and safety-critical software/hardware.
• Proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Deltek, Jira, etc.).
• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).

How to Stand Out

• PMP, PgMP, or INCOSE CSEP certification.
• Experience managing defense system development programs.
• Background in Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA).

Why Join Us?

At Sanmina, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a "U.S. Person," defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C.

• 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.