Sr Principal Program Manager

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

Sr Principal Program Manager

Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc, Bloomfield, Connecticut, United States

Attalon is a global leader in optics and laser solutions. Our Bloomfield, CT facility specializes in the delivery of innovative fiber lasers and amplifiers. This site combines advanced engineering and high‑quality manufacturing to support cutting‑edge technology for the defense market.

Job Details

Attalon delivers engineered optical, opto‑mechanical, and precision subsystem solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial customers.

The Sr. Principal Program Manager is an individual contributor who leads integrated product team (IPTs) through the lifecycle of a program. The Sr. Principal Program Manager will coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to guide a program from initial bid to the customer through completion. The program manager (PM) is the quarterback of the integrated product team and ensures all functional roles are working together effectively towards the program goals. A successful candidate will have deep experience managing cost, schedule, and system performance to ensure customer and business outcomes are met. This role also requires managing the Bill of Materials (BOM), refining and managing product specifications with the support of the engineering team, owning the integrated master schedule (IMS), defining the work breakdown structure (WBS), and making cost estimations throughout the program’s life. This Sr. Principal Program Manager will work with customers on a recurring basis to provide updates on program performance.

The PM serves as the central integration point across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and business development. Success requires strong technical fluency, disciplined program execution, proactive risk management, and clear communication with demanding defense and commercial customers.

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.

Minimum 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of experience working in a program or product management role.10+ years of experience working fora defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor.
• Familiarity with risk management frameworks and readiness reviews.
• Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments.
• Proficiency with tools such as Wrike.
• Strong executive‑level presentation skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.