Sr. Program Manager

ZipRecruiter; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Sr. Program Manager to oversee advanced R&D and production programs. This role requires extensive experience in program management, risk assessment, and collaboration with military and government clients. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess strong leadership skills. Competitive benefits and a commitment to diversity make this an attractive opportunity.

Benefits

Competitive Salaries

Vested 401K Match

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years as a program manager with a track record of managing cost, schedule, and technical execution.
• Experience managing complex systems with software and hardware components.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the engineering team, ensuring effective communication.
• Develop and implement plans and schedules for contracts/subcontracts.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.

Skills

Leadership

Risk Management

Collaboration

Communication

Project Management

Education

BSEE

BSCS

BSME

Master of Engineering

Program Management Certification

Tools

MOSA

Embedded Systems

C5ISR

Job description

Job Description

** Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Location: El Segundo, CA; Sunnyvale, CA

About Us

Pacific Defense is a leading developer of advanced electronics systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers. Our team specializes in Open Systems Architecture solutions for the non-kinetic fight, providing cost-effective, modular, and rapidly reconfigurable systems to customers in record time. We deliver sensing and effects solutions for land, air, sea, and space domains, leveraging open standards and rapid prototyping methodologies to bring innovative capabilities to the market. Pacific Defense has built an excellent reputation in the defense industry and is expanding our team to tackle new challenges and opportunities. Join us and accelerate your career!

Pacific Defense is seeking a Sr. Program Manager with experience managing advanced R&D, development, and production programs for Military and Government customers. The Sr. Program Manager will be responsible for program execution (Cost, Schedule, Technical). The Sr. Program Manager will work closely with Pacific Defense leadership to ensure tactical execution aligns with the business strategic goals and objectives.

This role requires someone comfortable working with minimal oversight in a cutting-edge, fast-paced, multi-discipline R&D environment involving engineering, prototyping, and production, with the ability to successfully transition designs to production. The position manages programs and their projects involving Comms/Digital/Embedded HW&SW designs, PCB manufacturing, board assembly and test, mechanics, software, FPGA, DSP, and systems engineering and testing.

The successful candidate will lead aggressive schedules, assess risks, deliver programs on time, guide engineering priorities, manage costs, and interface with Military and Government customers. This role offers the opportunity to be hands-on with daily activities while playing a strategic role in business execution and shaping company strategy.

Requirements

• Extensive experience throughout the program lifecycle, including proposal development, requirements decomposition, risk management, and continuous improvement efforts for cost reduction and performance enhancement.
• Experience with multiple contracting vehicles – CP, FFP, FPI, T&M.
• Ability to develop and manage detailed program management plans covering Schedule, Cost, Staffing, Opportunity/Risk, Development, I&T, and Production.
• Proven ability to hold teams accountable and ensure on-time delivery to internal and external customers.
• Experience leading programs through Requirements, Development, I&T, Verification, and Transition to Production.
• Experience managing technical teams and taking designs through Environmental Qualifications.
• Ability to work with internal and external customers, developing relationships to support execution and growth.
• Demonstrated success in collaborative, distributed team environments and working in fast-paced, dynamic settings.
• Knowledge of embedded systems hardware and software, and defense-relevant communications systems.
• Proven success in manpower planning, project reviews, scheduling, and budget control.
• Experience managing complex systems (e.g., Communications, Signals, Intelligence, RF, C5ISR) with software and hardware components.
• Experience transitioning designs to production and working closely with Engineering, Operations, and Manufacturing teams.
• Knowledge of MOSA Open systems.
• Minimum of 5 years as a program manager with a track record of managing cost, schedule, and technical execution.
• Ability to obtain or hold a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the engineering team, ensuring effective communication and conflict resolution.
• Serve as the primary interface with the customer regarding contract execution.
• Coordinate with management on contract requirements, changes, and interpretations.
• Develop and implement plans and schedules for contracts/subcontracts, managing budgets and reporting status to senior management and customers.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.
• Develop corrective action plans for deviations from budgets or schedules.
• Ensure contract compliance and proper program closeout.
• Meet objectives related to technical performance, cost, schedule, risk management, and profit and loss.
• Align efforts with mission and cross-business strategies.
• Lead proposal development and respond to RFPs and RFIs.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve issues and drive solutions.
• Travel within the U.S. may be required to support project activities.

Education

• Engineering degree required (BSEE, BSCS, BSME).
• Master of Engineering preferred.
• Program Management Certification preferred.

Benefits

Pacific Defense offers competitive salaries, vested 401K match, comprehensive medical coverage, paid time off, and holidays. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or other protected factors.