Program Manager
Auburn Hills, MI
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex defense engineering and manufacturing programs from initial requirements through execution and final delivery. This role is responsible for managing program scope, cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk while ensuring successful collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, facilities, and customer teams.
The ideal candidate combines formal program management expertise with a strong technical foundation and the ability to understand engineering and manufacturing challenges. This individual must be comfortable operating in an environment where program managers are expected to engage with technical issues, support decision-making, and drive program execution beyond traditional schedule and meeting management.
Pay rate: $52.00-$57.00/hr
Key Responsibilities
- Lead defense engineering and manufacturing programs from initiation through completion.
- Establish program objectives, scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, and deliverables.
- Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and key program stakeholders.
- Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, facilities, quality, supply chain, and subcontractor teams.
- Manage customer requirements, changes, and program communications.
- Develop and maintain integrated master schedules.
- Monitor program performance and identify schedule, cost, and execution risks.
- Develop and implement mitigation, recovery, and contingency plans.
- Lead program reviews, status meetings, and customer presentations.
- Manage program documentation, reporting, action items, and contractual deliverables.
- Support proposal development, statements of work, cost estimates, and contract modifications.
- Manage subcontractors and external engineering or manufacturing partners.
- Coordinate engineering readiness and manufacturing readiness activities.
- Support production ramp-up activities and manufacturing implementation efforts.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, government stakeholders, and industry partners.
- Ensure program execution complies with contractual obligations and applicable government requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of program or project management experience.
- Prior experience within the defense industry.
- Experience managing engineering and/or manufacturing programs.
- Demonstrated success managing scope, cost, schedule, risk, and customer expectations.
- Strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and customer-facing skills.
- Experience developing project schedules and program management reports.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs.
- Experience working for a defense prime contractor or major defense supplier.
- Experience supporting Army programs or military vehicle programs.
- Background in weapons systems, ammunition, aerospace, aviation, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Experience with engineering consulting or government contracting organizations.
- Familiarity with FAR and DFARS requirements.
- Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Strong risk management and configuration/change management experience.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Active Secret Security Clearance.
- Experience working directly with government customers, program offices, or acquisition organizations.
Key Competencies
- Program Leadership
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Cross-Functional Team Coordination
- Risk Identification and Mitigation
- Customer Relationship Management
- Schedule and Budget Management
- Technical Problem Solving
- Contract and Compliance Management
- Manufacturing and Production Readiness
- Continuous Improvement
Work Environment
This role requires close collaboration with technical, operational, and customer teams in a fast-paced defense engineering and manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be expected to balance strategic program leadership with a hands-on understanding of technical and production challenges to ensure successful program outcomes.
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