Senior Program Manager, Optics & Defense Systems

Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc; Bloomfield (CT); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc. in Bloomfield, CT, seeks a Sr Principal Program Manager to lead complex defense programs, coordinating across engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to ensure success.

The role requires managing the integrated master schedule (IMS), work breakdown structure (WBS), BOM, and cost estimations while interfacing with customers to provide updates on program performance. A DoD SECRET clearance eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience working in a program or product management role.
• 5+ years of experience working fora defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor.
• Experience leading technically complex hardware or opto‑mechanical programs.
• Proven cross‑functional leadership in a matrixed environment.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Must be eligible to obtain a DoD SECRET Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead program execution from sales handoff through delivery.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for technical and schedule updates.
• Maintain integrated schedules, execution plans, and cross‑functional alignment.
• Own program financials: revenue, cost, margin, forecasting, and corrective actions.
• Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, supply chain, and financial risks.
• Drive cross‑functional performance in a matrixed environment.
• Manage scope and contract changes.
• Deliver required program documentation and reporting.
• Resolve technical and quality issues with internal teams and customers.
• Support proposals, vendor evaluations, feasibility reviews, and follow‑on opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, regulatory, and export‑control requirements.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Exceptional communication

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics/Optical/Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in related technical discipline

Tools

Wrike

Job description

Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc. in Bloomfield, CT, seeks a Sr Principal Program Manager to lead complex defense programs, coordinating across engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to ensure success.

The role requires managing the integrated master schedule (IMS), work breakdown structure (WBS), BOM, and cost estimations while interfacing with customers to provide updates on program performance. A DoD SECRET clearance eligibility is required.