Technical Program Manager - Advanced System Development

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Poway, CA, seeks an experienced Technical Program Manager in the Advanced Sensors Group to own program execution from concept through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, quality, and technical objectives.

This role directs cross-functional teams, manages customer and supplier relationships, establishes baselines, and translates complex needs into sensor and communications solutions while safeguarding security and mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in engineering or related technical field with 11+ years of program administration experience.
• Experience in program or project management, engineering leadership, business management, capture, proposals, or related functions.
• Proven success managing complex programs involving cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, risk, resources, suppliers, and commitments.
• Experience developing and managing complex schedules and using EVMS or similar control methods.
• Strong understanding of business and financial principles and their application to program decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs through all phases from concept to completion.
• Manage cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, resources, suppliers, and customer commitments; monitor with Earned Value Management.
• Lead cross-functional Integrated Program Teams and matrixed engineering, technical, business, and support organizations.
• Identify, allocate, and manage program resources, including workforce planning and staffing.
• Manage requirements, risks, opportunities, dependencies, and changes from start to finish.
• Ensure compliance with contract scope, company policies, and industry standards.
• Develop and finalize Statements of Work, specs, budgets, and contract terms.
• Support business development activities including proposals, capture efforts, and negotiations.
• Partner with engineering to define technical concepts, criteria and approaches for product R&D and integration.
• Protect proprietary information and security.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Cost control

Scheduling

Defense Acquisition

Security clearance

Top Secret experience

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical Program Manager in the Advanced Sensors Group. The successful candidate will own program execution from concept through completion, ensuring performance against cost, schedule, quality, technical, security, and business objectives.

This role requires a technically accomplished leader who can direct cross-functional teams, manage customer and supplier relationships, establish program baselines, and translate complex operational needs into effective sensor and communications solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead programs through all phases, including acquisition, planning, research and development, testing, integration, transition, and completion.
• Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, resources, suppliers, and customer commitments; use Earned Value Management or comparable methods to monitor and report performance.
• Lead cross-functional Integrated Program Teams and matrixed engineering, technical, business, and support organizations.
• Identify, allocate, and manage program resources, including workforce planning and technical staffing.
• Manage program requirements, risks, opportunities, dependencies, and changes from identification through closure or realization.
• Ensure contractual, technical, schedule, cost, quality, security, and other applicable requirements are understood and satisfied.
• Develop, review, and finalize Statements of Work, specifications, budgets, proposals, and contract terms and conditions.
• Support business development activities, including proposals, capture efforts, business planning, contract negotiations, modifications, and follow-on opportunities.
• Partner with engineering to establish technical concepts, criteria, and approaches for product research, development, testing, and integration.
• Apply innovative technologies and solutions to address customer technical challenges.
• Serve as the primary customer contact and lead program reviews covering cost, schedule, technical performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Build effective relationships with customers, government representatives, strategic partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Direct suppliers and external organizations and manage government- and customer-furnished equipment, property, data, and information, as applicable.
• Measure, analyze, and communicate program performance to customers, executive leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure program personnel comply with contract scope, company policies, internal processes, and applicable industry standards.
• Protect proprietary technology and sensitive information.
• Support the attraction, selection, retention, and development of management, professional, and technical personnel.
• Contribute to near-term and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex program administration experience with at least five of those years managing programs. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Experience in program or project management, engineering leadership, business management, capture, proposals, or related technical functions.
• Demonstrated success managing complex programs involving cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, risk, resources, suppliers, and customer commitments.
• Experience developing and managing complex schedules and using Earned Value Management or comparable cost and schedule control methods.
• Strong understanding of business and financial principles and their application to program decisions and performance.
• Knowledge of the Defense Acquisition framework.
• Ability to coordinate multiple technologies and develop solutions aligned with program requirements.
• Strong communication, presentation, leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of management, technical and support personnel, customers, government representatives, and prospective customers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in a STEM discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of electronic warfare, radio and networked communications, and RF/digital engineering.
• Knowledge of Department of Defense operations, including the operational and tactical use of electronic warfare, surveillance, intelligence, and information-exploitation systems.
• System-level technical or operational expertise in advanced sensors and technology development.
• Experience leading engineering or Integrated Program Teams.
• Experience with proposals, capture efforts, contract negotiations, contract modifications, and follow-on business development.
• Experience managing programs with complex technical, operational, and supplier interdependencies.
• Experience developing customer relationships and identifying new business opportunities.
• Active Department of Defense Secret or higher security clearance.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 112,320 - 205,058