Senior Program Manager

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse Defense in Cincinnati is seeking a Sr. Program Manager to lead complex, high-value programs from contract to closure. You will own the integrated schedule, budget, and technical execution, while managing major customer relationships and negotiations to ensure total satisfaction.

The role requires 8+ years in complex programs within design/manufacturing/defense, PMP preferred, and strong grasp of FAR/DFAR. Travel up to 20% may be necessary in a production‑heavy environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (or related technical field) preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years in leading complex technical programs in design/manufacturing/defense environments.
• Direct experience in design/build or complex manufacturing environments is required.
• PMP Certification strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior leaders.
• Strong knowledge of government contracting (FAR/DFAR).
• Extensive experience managing major subcontractors and suppliers globally.
• Excellent financial and data analysis skills (P&L, EAC, variance).
• Strong English communication skills (verbal/written/presentation).
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead the integrated program team with full accountability for schedule, cost, technical execution, and profitability.
• Own senior-level customer relationships and major negotiations to ensure satisfaction.
• Develop and manage the IMS and program budget; establish milestones and critical path.
• Identify, analyze, and mitigate risks; pursue opportunities to improve performance.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality.
• Oversee subcontractor and supplier performance against technical, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Provide financial oversight including variance analysis and EAC reporting to executives.
• Mentor junior program managers and advance PM processes within the organization.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Financial acumen

MS Office

MS Project

Communication

Travel up to 20%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Business Management degree (optional)

Tools

MS Project

Office 365

Job description

Federal Equipment Company has been a leading supplier for marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. Through the years the company has emerged into an internationally recognized organization with extensive expertise in marine design/engineering and manufacturing of critical shipboard systems. The company, now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, is rapidly growing and in need of a Sr. Program Manager. The position is responsible for rapid, consistent, and efficient program management through initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling and closing of projects for our customers.

Coordinates customer interface support and assures compliance to contract and product specifications from receipt of contract through completion of the program. This position requires technical and administrative control of projects in accordance with the agreed/authorized objectives, schedule, and internal/external requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Full Program Ownership: Lead the integrated program team, assuming full accountability for program performance, including schedule adherence, cost control, technical execution, and profitability.
• Strategic Customer Management: Own the senior-level customer relationship, acting as a trusted partner to manage expectations, lead major negotiations, and ensure total satisfaction.
• Planning & Execution: Develop, maintain, and execute the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and program budget. Establish strategic milestones and govern the program's critical path.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate significant program risks while actively developing and pursuing opportunities to improve performance and profitability.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive execution and integration across a matrixed team of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality experts. Influence without direct authority and ensure seamless collaboration.
• Subcontractor & Supplier Governance: Oversee the performance and strategy for major subcontractors and key suppliers, ensuring they meet all technical, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Financial Oversight: Own the program's financial performance, including variance analysis, Estimate at Complete (EAC) reporting, and presenting program health to executive leadership.
• Process Improvement & Mentorship: Champion and implement program management best practices to mature organizational processes. Mentor junior program managers and other team members.

Qualifications, Skills and Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field is strongly preferred. A degree in Business Management will also be considered.
• A minimum of 8+ years of demonstrated success leading complex technical programs in a design, manufacturing, or defense/aerospace environment.
• Direct experience in design/build or complex manufacturing environments is required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams and influence senior leaders.
• Strong command of government contracting, including FAR / DFAR regulations.
• Demonstrated experience managing major subcontractors and suppliers on a global scale.
• Excellent business power user IT skills (MS Office & Office 365, MS Project)
• Previous experience in a machine shop is a plus.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving ability.
• Strong English language communications skills (verbal, written and presentation); ability to clearly and concisely express and present information (or data) to non-technical associates, peers, and senior management.
• Strong financial acumen related to reporting and decision-making.
• Highly motivated, self-determined spirit.
• Flexibility to adjust and thrive in an environment with changing requirements, schedules and priorities for multiple projects or assignments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Occasionally lift and move materials up to 10 pounds.
• Usual office working conditions with the mix of a production environment.
• Expert financial acumen with deep experience managing program budgets, EACs, and P&L.
• Proven ability to operate effectively and drive results in an environment with evolving processes and high ambiguity.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel up to 20%.

Note: This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.