Sr. Development Program Manager

Sanmina; Alabama; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, in Huntsville, AL, seeks an experienced Senior/Development Program Manager to lead defense programs involving avionics system development and integration. You will manage all aspects from inception to delivery, ensuring alignment with contracts, technical requirements, and business goals.

The role requires a strong engineering background, hands-on government contracting experience, and the ability to navigate DoD acquisition processes while maintaining schedule

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret Security Clearance.
• 5+ years of hands‑on program/project management within defense contracts and aerospace development.
• Strong business acumen and negotiation skills with detailed program reporting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs from concept through final product delivery, ensuring compliance with DoD processes, DFARS, and MIL-STDs.
• Develop detailed project management plans, schedules, budgets, billing, change control, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Resolve issues, escalate as needed, and make key decisions on pricing, schedules, and commit dates.
• Drive technical reviews, risk assessments, and milestone reviews to ensure on-time delivery.
• Act as primary liaison between government agencies, prime contractors, and internal cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Program management

Defense contracting

Risk management

Customer relationship

DO-178C/DO-254 compliance

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in E.E./A.E./Systems Eng.

Tools

MS Project

Deltek

Jira

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior / Development Program Manager

At SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted, and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing, and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.

Our heritage dates to 1961 as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments – Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It’s SCI summed up: ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior / Development Program Manager to lead complex defense programs involving avionics system development and integration. Working independently, this role will manage all aspects of program execution from inception to final delivery, ensuring alignment with customer contracts, technical requirements, and business goals. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, solid business acumen, and extensive hands‑on experience in government contracting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage programs from concept through final product delivery, ensuring compliance with terms, conditions, DoD acquisition processes, DFARS, and MIL-STDs.
• Develop detailed project management plans, schedules, budgets, billing, change control, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Resolve project issues, elevate as necessary, and make key decisions regarding pricing, schedules, and commit dates.
• Drive technical reviews, risk assessments, and milestone reviews to ensure on‑time delivery.

Stakeholder & Customer Relationship Management

• Act as the primary liaison between government agencies, prime contractors, and internal cross‑functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, supply chain).
• Build productive working relationships at all organizational levels, utilizing a consultative approach to promote SCI’s solution capabilities and vertical integration offerings.
• Manage customer satisfaction, revenue achievement, order delivery, and business issues (e.g., A/R, E&O material issues, PPV, credit, RMAs).

Technical, Compliance & Operations Oversight

• Ensure avionics hardware and software development meets DO-178C and DO-254 standards.
• Maintain strict adherence to ITAR, EAR, and cybersecurity protocols (CMMC, NIST 800-171).
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor performance to ensure top‑tier quality and contract compliance.
• Prepare and present program status reports, proposals, and technical documentation to leadership and stakeholders.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret Security Clearance.

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field (preferred).

Experience

• Minimum of 5+ years of hands‑on program/project management experience in defense contracts and aerospace development.
• Proven experience with DoD programs, military avionics systems, and safety‑critical software/hardware.
• Strong business acumen and negotiation skills combined with technical, detailed program reporting experience.

Tools & Certifications

• Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Deltek, Jira, etc.).
• PMP, PgMP, or INCOSE CSEP certification preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing defense system development programs.

Background in Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA).

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity