The Senior Project Manager (SPM) will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of mission-critical growth initiatives across the enterprise, including new site development, facility expansions, automation deployments, and integration of new capabilities through M&A. The SPM will act as a bridge across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality, ensuring programs are delivered on time, on budget, and in full compliance with aerospace and defense standards.
This role is highly visible and essential to enabling the company’s ability to deliver into Tier-1 defense programs and maintain its reputation as a trusted supplier for Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing Defense, Northrop Grumman, and others.
Key Responsibilities:
Program & Program Leadership
- Lead end-to-end planning and execution of advanced manufacturing and site expansion programs.
- Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
- Coordinate across departments to remove barriers, escalate issues, and ensure execution discipline.
- Manage program lifecycles from concept through commissioning and sustainment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to integrate automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing systems into production.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain, Facilities, and Quality to ensure readiness for new site launches or capacity expansions.
- Serve as the primary program liaison with executive sponsors, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities.
Execution & Compliance
- Ensure all programs meet AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, and DoD requirements, as well as safety and environmental standards.
- Apply Lean and continuous improvement principles to accelerate timelines and maximize efficiency.
- Oversee vendor/contractor deliverables for facility, equipment, and automation programs.
Reporting & Communication
- Provide regular status updates to the VP, Growth and Facility Strategy and executive leadership.
- Track and report against key performance indicators (KPIs) — schedule adherence, budget performance, quality milestones, and risk mitigations.
- Develop clear program documentation, presentations, and executive briefings.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, or related field (Master’s or PMP certification preferred).
- 7–10 years of experience in complex manufacturing or operations program management, with at least 3 years in a senior-level program role.
- Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale capital programs (facility expansions, automation deployments, or site start-ups).
- Aerospace/defense industry experience strongly preferred.
- Expertise in program planning tools (MS Program, Primavera, or equivalent).
- Strong working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies.
- Ability to manage cross-functional teams and external vendors/contractors.
- Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a bias for execution.
- US Citizenship is a requirement for this position due to U.S. Government contractual requirements
Preferred
- PMP or Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
- Familiarity with CAD/CAM, MES, and ERP systems.
- Willingness to travel, up to 50%.
What Sets This Role Apart
- Direct Mission Impact – Every program directly contributes to U.S. national security.
- High Visibility – Work across all major functions with direct exposure to executive leadership.
- Critical Growth Role – Lead programs that enable new site launches, advanced automation, and production ramp-ups.
- Enterprise Influence – Act as the execution engine for strategic initiatives sponsored by the executive team.
** This is a career-defining opportunity to lead programs that shape the future of advanced manufacturing in the defense sector.
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