Senior Program Director, Defense Systems (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation eligibility

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA seeks an Associate Director of Program Management to lead the Open Solutions Systems MFP programs across development, integration, testing and production transitions.

You will oversee engineering, operations, supply chain, and finance to meet technical, schedule, and cost commitments, while guiding strategic planning, competitive pursuits, and customer interfaces.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
• Experience with earned value management system and how it is used in program execution
• Experience with program execution of government contracts with the ability to guide a team through the RFI, competitive proposals, negotiations, and contract award
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of complex Multi‑Function Processing (MFP) programs across the full program lifecycle, from development and integration through testing, delivery, and transition to production
• Provide leadership and direction to cross‑functional teams, including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and key subcontractors, to ensure successful program execution
• Own overall program performance, including cost, schedule, technical execution, financial results, and fulfillment of contractual commitments
• Develop and execute program plans, establish performance metrics and milestones, and manage schedules, budgets, and critical path activities to meet customer and business objectives
• Drive financial performance by managing program budgets, establishing cost targets, optimizing resource utilization, and delivering against profitability and annual operating plan (AOP) commitments
• Lead strategic planning, business development pursuits, competitive proposals, and bidding activities to secure new business and expand the MFP portfolio
• Serve as the primary customer interface, building strong relationships, communicating program performance, managing expectations, and identifying opportunities for continued business
• Proactively identify and resolve technical, financial, contractual, and operational challenges, driving corrective actions and resource decisions to maintain program performance
• Lead contract execution and change management activities, including negotiating requirements, managing scope changes, and maintaining alignment with customer commitments
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor performance in partnership with Subcontracts Management, ensuring effective integration and coordination throughout program execution
• Lead customer and executive program reviews, presenting performance metrics, financial results, program risks, and progress against key milestones
• Partner across the business to identify product synergies, leverage existing capabilities, and ensure successful transitions from development into manufacturing

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Earned value management

Government contracting

Security clearance

Education

University degree or advanced degree

Job description

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA seeks an Associate Director of Program Management to lead the Open Solutions Systems MFP programs across development, integration, testing and production transitions.

You will oversee engineering, operations, supply chain, and finance to meet technical, schedule, and cost commitments, while guiding strategic planning, competitive pursuits, and customer interfaces.