Sr Program Manager

Socket.dev; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Paligen Aerospace and Defense is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead large, defense-related programs from inception through completion. You will guide cross-functional teams and coordinate with government officials, suppliers, and customers to meet schedule and cost targets.

This role requires extensive program management experience within the defense sector, deep regulatory knowledge (ITAR/DFARS/FAR), and a proven ability to deliver programs on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of program management experience in defense.
• Familiarity with ITAR, DFARS, and FAR regulations.
• Experience managing large programs with budgets over $100M.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP, Visio, and Project tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex defense programs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and risk management of programs.
• Mentor cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain.
• Develop and manage program budgets and forecasts; identify cost savings.
• Identify and mitigate program risks; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and deliver program status reports; maintain documentation.
• Represent Paligen Aerospace and Defense in external engagements.
• Travel as needed to support sites and suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Regulatory compliance ITAR/DFARS/FAR

Communication

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Master's degree (MBA/Engineering)

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Project

Visio

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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.