Senior Program Manager, Advanced Materials

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetics Systems (GA-EMS) seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead a DOE program developing SiGA® silicon carbide ceramics for nuclear power applications. You will shape plans and budgets, monitor progress, and coordinate with DOE, fuel vendors, and utility partners.

Collaborate across GA-EMS groups to secure resources, ensure safety and compliance, manage contracts, and drive proposals for future opportunities. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Master or PhD in engineering, science or related field and 13+ years of program administration experience.
• PMP certification and earned value management proficiency are required.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams on complex engineering challenges.
• DOE/NRC licensing familiarity and nuclear industry knowledge are desirable.
• Strong communication, documentation and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a large DOE program aligning technical, financial and schedule targets.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures and forecasts to ensure cost control.
• Engage with customers to understand objectives and ensure alignment.
• Collaborate to define scope of work, budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate staffing with HR and procurement to support objectives.
• Prepare procurement documents and negotiate subcontracts as needed.
• Ensure safety, compliance and regulatory adherence across activities.
• Prepare proposals for new program opportunities and maintain relationships.

Skills

PMP certification

Earned value management

Cross-functional leadership

DOE/NRC licensing familiarity

Nuclear industry knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in engineering or related technical field

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics Electromagnetics Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

The Nuclear Technologies and Materials (NTM) division currently has an exciting position for a determined individual who can lead and manage a large-scale department of energy (DOE) program focused on the development of GA-EMS’ innovative silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite technology, SiGA®, for nuclear power applications. This position will play a pivotal role in working within NTM and the greater GA-EMS organization to lead the staff, establish work plans and budgets, and monitor technical, financial, and schedule progress on the program. It is envisioned that this role will work closely with an experienced principal investigator and will have substantial opportunities to develop the relationships with DOE, fuel vendors, and utility partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage a program to ensure all technical, financial, and schedule requirements are successfully met, driving project execution and delivering results aligned with organizational and customer expectations.
• Monitor program financials, including budgets, expenditures, and forecasts, to ensure cost control and adherence to financial targets.
• Engage directly with the customer to understand program objectives, address concerns, and ensure alignment with their goals and requirements.
• Collaborate with General Atomics staff to develop and refine the contract scope of work, budget, and schedule, ensuring comprehensive project planning and execution.
• Partner with GA-EMS resource managers and Human Resources to identify and secure the necessary staffing and expertise required to support program objectives.
• Work closely with GA Procurement to prepare procurement documents, negotiate subcontracts, and secure purchase orders to fulfill program needs efficiently.
• Coordinate with Security and Quality Assurance teams to ensure compliance with program requirements, customer standards, and regulatory guidelines.
• Facilitate collaboration with other GA-EMS groups, including Manufacturing, Testing, Nuclear Materials, and Fuels, to obtain the necessary support and resources for successful program execution.
• Organize and conduct regular progress and review meetings with management, staff, customers, and subcontractors to ensure transparency, track milestones, and address challenges proactively.
• Oversee the preparation and timely submission of all contract deliverables, ensuring they meet quality standards and contractual obligations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program issues that require escalation to the customer and/or senior GA-EMS management, ensuring prompt resolution and effective communication.
• Lead the preparation and development of proposals for new program opportunities, leveraging technical expertise and strategic planning to secure future projects.
• Enforce established procedures and practices to maintain a safe working environment, ensuring the health and safety of all personnel involved in program operations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information, safeguarding proprietary and classified data in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Adhere to established operating procedures and practices, working in a safe and responsible manner while promoting a culture of safety and compliance.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as thirteen or more years of progressively complex program administration experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required, demonstrating expertise in project management methodologies, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in earned value management principles is essential, reflecting the ability to monitor project performance, control costs, and ensure adherence to schedules.
• Candidates should have demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams tasked with addressing complex engineering challenges, showcasing strong problem-solving capabilities and team management skills.
• Familiarity with licensing and qualification processes governed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is highly desirable.
• A solid understanding of the nuclear industry, including reactor operations, is preferred, along with experience in technical, operational, and regulatory aspects of nuclear systems.
• Established working relationships with national laboratories, particularly Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL), are advantageous, as is familiarity with their research priorities and collaboration processes.
• General knowledge of composite materials, including their properties, applications, and engineering considerations, is desired.
• Exceptional skills in communication (both written and verbal), computer proficiency, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal engagement are required to effectively convey complex ideas, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive project success.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary Salary range: 140,900 - 257,233