Program Manager

Actalent; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

PTO & federal holidays

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Actalent in Madison, AL seeks a Deputy Program Manager to lead budgets, schedules, and technical performance across multiple contracts. The role demands hands-on involvement from flight line to engineering labs, and close collaboration with cross‑functional teams to ensure mission success.

This permanent, onsite position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match, PTO and holidays, relocation assistance, and opportunities to shape key UAS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 3–15 years of experience in program management.
• Experience with aircraft or UAS systems.
• Demonstrated track record managing Aerospace, DoD development or production programs.
• Experience with EVM, IMS, risk management, CDR/PDR processes.
• Eligible to obtain a secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage program execution across active contracts and development efforts.
• Develop, maintain, and manage integrated master schedules with real milestones.
• Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance according to plan.
• Support monthly program reviews, CDRs, PDRs, and customer milestone events.
• Manage financial baselines and conduct variance analysis.
• Foster technical decision‑making and collaborate with Engineering, Flight Test, and Manufacturing.
• Engage in failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.
• Interface with Government program offices, prime contractors, and end‑users.
• Communicate status, risks, and issues proactively.
• Identify and capture follow‑on business and program growth opportunities.
• Cultivate a high‑performing team and establish lasting practices and standards.

Skills

Program management

Aircraft/UAS systems

EVM/IMS

Secret clearance eligible

Cross-functional leadership

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree in Engineering or MBA

Job description

Job Title: Program Manager

As a Deputy Program Manager for our portfolio, you will lead efforts encompassing budget, schedule, technical performance, customer satisfaction, and team execution. This role demands a hands‑on approach, requiring involvement in various operational areas such as the flight line, engineering labs, and customer communications. You will support cross‑functional teams and uphold organizational standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage program execution across active contracts and development efforts.
• Develop, maintain, and manage integrated master schedules with real milestones.
• Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance according to plan.
• Support monthly program reviews, CDRs, PDRs, and customer milestone events.
• Manage financial baselines and conduct variance analysis.
• Foster technical decision‑making and collaborate with Engineering, Flight Test, and Manufacturing.
• Engage in failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.
• Interface with Government program offices, prime contractors, and end‑users.
• Communicate status, risks, and issues proactively.
• Identify and capture follow‑on business and program growth opportunities.
• Cultivate a high‑performing team and establish lasting practices and standards.

Essential Skills

• 3-15 years of experience in program management.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with aircraft or UAS systems.
• Demonstrated track record managing Aerospace, DoD development or production programs.
• Experience with program management fundamentals: EVM, IMS, risk management, CDR/PDR processes.
• Eligible to obtain a secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualification

• Masters degree in Engineering or Business (MBA), or equivalent operational experience.
• Direct experience with Group 24 UAS programs in development, test, or production.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD airworthiness, DO-178/DO-254, or UAS-specific certification pathways.
• PMP, DAWIA, or equivalent program management certification.
• Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Work Environment

The position is fully onsite with a small but robust and growing business. It involves working on exciting new programs with UAS or UAV systems. The work environment is defined by a culture of technical rigor, follow‑through, and a commitment to mission success.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and clearance level Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match Paid time off and 11 federal holidays Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates A small company where your decisions matter and your fingerprints are on real hardware flying real missions

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.