Sr Program Manager

Paligen Technologies, Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Paligen Aerospace and Defense is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead and manage complex defense programs from inception through completion. The role requires exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to work with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in defense program management, knowledge of ITAR/DFARS/FAR, and a proven track record of delivering programs on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in program management within the defense industry.
• Experience managing large, complex programs with budgets exceeding $100 million.
• Strong knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, and FAR regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder collaboration.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex defense programs.
• Manage relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and risk management; develop detailed plans.
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain.
• Develop budgets and forecasts; identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare regular status reports for management and customers; ensure traceability.
• Represent Paligen Aerospace and Defense to external customers and government officials (OCONUS/CONUS).
• Support ERP system implementations and continual process improvement.

Skills

Program leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Budget management

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Microsoft Project

ERP systems

Visio

Job description

Sr Program Manager

Job Title: Sr Program Manager

Job Family: Program Management

Company: Paligen Aerospace and Defense

Location: Tampa, FL (on site)

Job Summary:

Paligen Aerospace and Defense is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Program Manager to lead and manage complex defense programs from inception through completion. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in program management within the defense industry, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget. This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership: Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex defense programs. Develop and implement program strategies, objectives, and deliverables. Ensure alignment with customer requirements and company goals.


• Stakeholder Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders. Act as the primary point of contact for program-related communications. Manage customer expectations and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.


• Project Management: Oversee all aspects of program management, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk management. Develop detailed project plans, milestones, and timelines. Monitor program progress and implement corrective actions as needed.


• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain. Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture. Provide guidance and support to team members to achieve program objectives.


• Financial Management: Develop and manage program budgets and financial forecasts. Track program expenses and ensure financial targets are met. Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.


• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and issues. Develop and implement risk management plans and contingency strategies. Ensure compliance with all regulatory and contractual requirements.


• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare and deliver regular program status reports to senior management and customers. Maintain comprehensive program documentation, including contracts, reports, and records. Ensure all program activities are well-documented and traceable.


• Represent Paligen Aerospace and Defense brand to external customers.


• Requires presenting at both internal and external meetings, with government officials, Paligen Leadership, and various technical teams OCONUS and CONUS


• Support implementation of ERP systems as needed.


• Act with integrity, work collaboratively, meet commitments, and apply continual improvement methodologies in all work.


• Other projects assigned and directed by Leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field;


• 10+ years of experience in program management within the defense industry.


• Strong knowledge of defense industry regulations and requirements, including ITAR, DFARS, and FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation).


• Proven experience managing large, complex programs with budgets exceeding $100 million.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders and customers.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and make data-driven decisions.


• Proficiency in Microsoft office suite: Ability to create project and milestone charts, and use data and create value added presentations to report updates, status reports, etc.


• Proficiency in project management tools and software (ERP, Visio, Project etc.)


• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred MBA, Engineering, or related field


• PMP or equivalent certification is highly desirable.


• Experience with Energetics related programs.

Other Requirements:

• Travel: Up to 25%, to support other locations manufacturing sites, suppliers and customers.


• Work Environment: Office work environment.


• US Person/Background Investigation/Drug Screen: Required.

Paligen an Equal Opportunity Employer, placing value on a diverse and inclusive environment. All hiring decisions are based exclusively on merit, qualifications, and business needs.