PROGRAM MANAGER III with Security Clearance

Platform Aerospace; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace is seeking a Program Manager III to lead and oversee all phases of assigned aerospace programs from inception to completion. The role focuses on cost, schedule, and technical performance, serving as the primary customer contact and coordinating with Engineering, Operations, and Finance to meet objectives.

The candidate will manage cross-functional teams, drive program reviews, and ensure compliance with DoD, FAR, and company requirements while maintaining strong customer

Qualifications

• 12+ years of program or project management experience; or
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field and 8+ years of demonstrated program management experience; or
• Associate degree and 10+ years of relevant program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting DoD, U.S. Government, or military programs.
• Knowledge of the aerospace and defense industry.
• Strong familiarity with project management software, methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Proven ability to manage projects within scope, budget, and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Direct all phases of assigned programs from inception through completion, ensuring achievement of business and financial objectives.
• Ensure programs meet quality, budget, and delivery schedules with strategic alignment.
• Develop contingency plans and revise schedules, scope, or budget as needed.
• Manage program resources to meet requirements within the SOW.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks and opportunities.
• Provide regular status updates and briefings to senior leadership.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance.
• Lead program reviews, milestone reviews, and customer meetings.
• Maintain compliance with DoD, FAR, contractual, and company requirements.

Skills

Program management

DoD programs

Aerospace industry

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting & cost control

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/CS

Associate degree

Tools

Project management software

Job description

JOB TITLE

Program Manager III

DEPARTMENT

Program Management

REPORTS TO

Senior Program Manager

CLASSIFICATION

Exempt

CLEARANCE

Secret Clearance or Ability to Obtain a Secret Clearance

This position may be filled at different levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Primary Function

The Program Manager III leads and oversees all phases of assigned programs from inception through completion, ensuring successful execution while meeting business, financial, and customer objectives. This role is accountable for the cost, schedule, and technical performance of assigned programs. The Program Manager III serves as the primary point of contact for customers, leads program reviews, establishes design and development criteria, monitors progress against program plans, and directs the efforts of technical, manufacturing, and administrative personnel supporting program execution.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Direct all phases of assigned programs from inception through completion, ensuring achievement of business and financial objectives.

• Ensure all contracted programs meet internal and customer expectations for quality, budget, delivery schedules, and overall strategy.
• Develop contingency plans with key stakeholders and implement revised schedules, scope, or budget adjustments as necessary.
• Manage program resources to successfully meet requirements and objectives within the approved Statement of Work (SOW).
• Minimize program costs and risks while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Develop and maintain program plans, including schedules, budgets, resource allocations, and deliverables.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Provide regular program status updates and briefings to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable DoD, FAR, contractual, and company requirements.
• Track and analyze program performance against short-term and long-term objectives.
• Develop and manage program budgets, adjusting constraints and resources as necessary based on financial analysis.
• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance.
• Maintain strong customer relationships and serve as the primary customer interface throughout program execution.
• Lead program reviews, milestone reviews, and customer meetings.
• Perform other duties as necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements

• 12+ years of program or project management experience; or
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field and 8+ years of demonstrated program management experience; or
• Associate degree and 10+ years of relevant program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Government, or military programs.
• Knowledge of the aerospace and defense industry.
• Strong familiarity with project management software, methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Proven ability to successfully manage projects within established scope, budget, and schedule requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple programs simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Experience in project planning, execution, and performance management.
• Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and cost controls.
• Experience in risk management and problem‑solving.
• Strong verbal and written communication and negotiation skills.
• Technical understanding of defense manufacturing and development programs.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems creatively and effectively.
• Excellent customer‑facing communication and relationship management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience supporting NAVAIR programs.
• Experience managing UAS, aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing programs.
• Familiarity with earned value management (EVM) principles.
• Experience with government contracting and proposal support activities.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to traverse office, manufacturing, and operational facilities as required.