Lead Program Manager

Alexander Technology Group; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Technology Group is seeking a Lead Program Manager to oversee a portfolio of advanced development projects for defense and space customers. The role focuses on building governance, improving management frameworks, and leading a PMO culture across cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in advanced manufacturing or development engineering, with a strong track record of managing project managers and delivering on complex programs under rigorous requirements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of technical and leadership experience in advanced manufacturing, prototyping, or development engineering.
• 5+ years managing project managers, or a PMO, including hiring and development.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build and improve project management frameworks, standards, and governance.
• Set a consistent operating rhythm across programs: team meetings, risk and gate reviews, reports.
• Track portfolio health, risks, resource loading, and cross-program dependencies.
• Hire, lead, and mentor Project Managers, and build a strong project management culture.
• Own the integrated master schedule, WBS, and cost/schedule baselines; create dashboards for leadership.
• Align processes with quality systems and customer program requirements.
• Lead customer reviews and support proposals, revenue forecasts, and headcount planning.
• Drive continuous improvement, documentation, and capture of intellectual property.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

PMO leadership

Matrix experience

Education

PMP PgMP PMI-ACP

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Our client, an established advanced materials manufacturer serving defense and space customers, is hiring a Lead Program Manager to lead its advanced development project portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Build and improve project management frameworks, standards, and governance
• Set a consistent operating rhythm across programs: team meetings, risk and gate reviews, technical and financial reporting
• Track portfolio health, risks, resource loading, and cross-program dependencies
• Hire, lead, and mentor Project Managers , and build a strong project management culture
• Own the integrated master schedule, WBS, and cost/schedule baselines, with dashboards for leadership
• Align processes with quality systems and customer program requirements
• Lead customer reviews and support proposals, revenue forecasts, and headcount planning
• Drive continuous improvement, documentation, and capture of intellectual property

Requirements

• 15+ years of technical and leadership experience in advanced manufacturing, prototyping, or development engineering
• 5+ years managing project managers, or a PMO, including hiring and development
• PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification
• Strong command of IMS, WBS, risk management, requirements, and EVMS concepts
• Working knowledge of APQP, NPI, readiness-level advancement, and verification and validation
• Experience in matrix organizations and maturing new technologies for production
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred

• Advanced degree in systems, mechanical, materials, or manufacturing engineering, or program management
• Defense program experience, especially with advanced materials or high-temperature composites
• Experience building or transforming a PMO