Sr. Program Manager

North Wind; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind in Newport News, VA is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to direct and coordinate large defense programs, ensuring on-time delivery within scope and budget, while maintaining rigorous quality. You will lead cross‑functional teams across engineering, fabrication, contracts, and finance, develop baselines, monitor progress, mitigate risks, and nurture key customer relationships for ongoing work.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in engineering, 10+ years in program management, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field or related discipline.
• 10+ years of related discipline.
• Direct experience in the implementation of established program management methods.
• Combination of education and experience equivalent to above.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates the execution of technical programs to maximize customer satisfaction and ensure program success.
• Strengthen customer relationships to promote future business opportunities.
• Develop baseline schedules, spend plans and revenue projections for all programs, and monitor progress.
• Participate in development of proposals and contract changes, clarifying requirements and achieving contractual acceptance.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-tasking

Communication

Financial acumen

Aerospace industry experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting‑edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high‑speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission‑critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Role Description

Directs and coordinates the execution of technical programs to maximize customer satisfaction and ensure North Wind program success. Strengthen customer relationships to promote the creation of future business.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the execution of all assigned programs and projects within established scope, budget and schedule constraints. Coordinates and establishes the demand for internal company resources to meet program technical and schedule requirements. Closely monitors program requirements against the contractual program scope to control scope related cost growth. Evaluates the need for external subcontract support based on internal capability and program demands.
• Strengthen business development by developing and maintaining strong customer relationships. Manage customer associations to ensure satisfaction and retention, stimulating additional work and growth through established customer relationships. Present the value of North Wind to all customers to promote the identification of new opportunities. Develop strong working relationships with internal and external business partners.
• Develop baseline schedules, spend plans and revenue projections for all programs. Routinely update projections and lead program review sessions discuss program status and progress against the established baseline. Manage program risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
• Participate in the development of project proposals and the negotiation of contracts and contract changes. Understand and clarify contract requirements, negotiate changes, achieve contractual acceptance / completion.

Qualifications

Desired Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering field or related discipline;
• 10+ years of related discipline;
• Direct experience in the implementation of established program management methods;
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above

Preferred Knowledge / Ability

• Must be highly motivated with the ability to multi‑task and prioritize the management of several programs simultaneously.
• Leadership of engineering, program management or other technical teams.
• Experience in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Exceptional financial acumen and technical understanding.
• Proficiency with all Microsoft (MS) Office production software including MS Project.
• Experience with the direction of engineering and fabrication resources in a machine shop environment. Familiarity with shop manufacturing techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication
• May be required to travel up to 10% of the time
• Knowledge of various contract vehicles, procurement processes and sub‑contracting procedures.
• US citizenship required to obtain/maintain a DOD security clearance.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports a safe and drug‑free workplace through pre‑employment background checks and drug testing.