Sr. Program Manager

The Senior Program Manager will lead assigned programs/projects from contract acceptance through production, ensuring all customer requirements are met within budget and schedule. This role requires a hands-on, data-driven approach, strong leadership, and business acumen. The manager will coordinate a cross-functional team—including design engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, production personnel, sales, and contract functions—and act as the primary liaison between the company and its customers. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Engineering & Program Management Key Responsibilities Lead cross-functional teams to deliver project results, including design, manufacturing, quality, production, sales, and contracts.
Plan and manage project scope, schedule, and budget throughout the product development lifecycle.
Act as the primary point of contact for customers, ensuring timely and professional communication on all project deliverables.
Coordinate regular program reviews, prepare and publish program metrics and reports.
Schedule and ensure execution of program deliverables across internal functional groups.
Prioritize tasks, assess risks, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure contractual requirements are met.
Negotiate changes to product requirements with customers as needed.
Proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities, recommending actions to ensure project commitments are achieved.
Provide technical advice and knowledge as needed on projects.
Motivate teams to project completion, even without direct management reporting relationships.
Participate in the organization's functional excellence initiatives focused on culture, processes and tools to improve Development Program outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. Requirements and Considerations Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Management or related discipline.
Master's degree in Business Administration (preferred)
7+ years of program management experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace and defense.
Experience planning and managing product development projects in a cross-functional engineering and manufacturing business. Team management and conflict resolution skills.
Strong project finance experience with knowledge of earned value management.
Working knowledge of project management tools and project team dynamics. Experienced with Waterfall and Agile project management methods. Recent experience developing and implementing Project Plans including WBS, IMS and Risk Management.
Highly organized, able to assess program risks (schedule and technical) and implement action plans.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Effective at communicating across the organization and with internal and external stakeholders. Experienced developing and managing stakeholder communication plans.
Computer skills: Microsoft Suite (including Project, Teams, SharePoint and Excel and Word), Oracle, Product Data Management (ARAS Innovator preferred)
Familiarity with global aerospace and defense markets and sensor technologies (a plus).
Knowledge of Airframe, Engine and System sensing products and technology (a plus).
Proficient in Spanish (a plus). Certifications PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification (required). Due to the nature of SFMS programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.