Senior Technical Program Manager, IRAD Programs

Senior Technical Program Manager, IRAD Programs

Function: Program Management / New Product Development

Reports to: Director of Program Management)

Position Overview Lead the execution and governance of internally funded research and development (IRAD) programs that mature hardware-based aerospace and defense technologies and prepare products for future market opportunities. This senior individual-contributor position manages approximately two to three concurrent development programs, from newly authorized efforts to programs already in progress, with an anticipated combined portfolio value of approximately $3 million to $10 million. The role requires technical fluency, disciplined program controls, sound judgment about development scope and completion criteria, and effective communication with senior executives. The program manager coordinates engineering and other subject-matter experts but does not directly design, develop, or test products.

Key Responsibilities • Independently lead multiple internally funded technical development programs, owning scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, deliverables, risks, opportunities, and performance against approved objectives. • Establish and maintain integrated program schedules, cost controls, risk and opportunity registers, action plans, and phase-gate / tollgate deliverables; apply earned value or comparable performance-management practices as appropriate. • Coordinate matrixed teams across engineering, testing, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, finance, and other disciplines; negotiate access to shared personnel, facilities, and test resources without direct supervisory authority. • Manage technology maturation and technology readiness level (TRL) progression; collaborate with technical experts on development priorities, decision points, and practical go/no-go recommendations. • Prepare clear, accurate program-health dashboards and executive updates covering schedule, financial performance, technical progress, resource needs, and risks; present information to senior business leadership. • Support alignment of IRAD investments with product-development priorities and market opportunities, coordinating with finance, business development, and technical leadership on business cases and transition opportunities. • Use established organizational procedures, phase-gate controls, and applicable safety, quality, and export-control requirements; support process improvements and lessons learned. • Adapt plans and priorities as technical discoveries, resource availability, and business needs evolve.

Required Qualifications • Approximately 7 or more years of relevant program or project management experience, with substantial responsibility for technical development programs; equivalent depth of experience and relevant credentials will be considered. • Prior experience in the aerospace and defense industry and sufficient engineering or technical knowledge to understand hardware product-development fundamentals and work credibly with technical specialists. • Demonstrated ability to lead multiple concurrent technical programs and coordinate shared resources in a matrix environment. • Experience with integrated schedules, cost control, risk/opportunity management, and structured program governance. • Experience managing technology maturation and TRL-related development objectives. • Proficiency with Microsoft Project and Power BI or closely comparable program-management and reporting tools. • Strong executive-level communication, stakeholder management, prioritization, and independent decision-making skills. • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, a technical discipline, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience and professional certifications accepted in lieu of a degree. • Due to U.S. Government contract requirements applicable to this position, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment in this role.