Senior Technical Program Manager

• Lead cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel to achieve program success.
  


• Serve as the primary customer interface, fostering collaboration and ensuring clear, transparent communication.
  


• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans aligned with customer work statements and technical specifications.
  


• Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle of complex active electro-optical systems, from design through delivery.
  


• Proactively identify, mitigate, and communicate technical, cost, and schedule risks; develop and execute recovery plans as needed.
  


• Forecast program resource requirements, including technical workforce, facilities, and equipment needs.
  


• Define system-level performance parameters and manage the requirements flow-down through all subsystems.
  


• Provide executive-level briefings on program health, milestones, and challenges.
  


• Partner with Business Development to define growth opportunities, contribute to proposals, and engage with key customers.
  

Requirements

• Proven success managing R&D programs in the defense or aerospace sector with full accountability for cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  


• US Citizen and eligibility to obtain a US Security Clearance
  


• Strong written and verbal communication and documentation skills 
  


• Excellent customer interfacing skills
  

• Familiarity with expectations and collaboration in the context of typical Government development contracts, including organizations such as NASA, US Government defense organizations, and/or aerospace Prime Contractor mission partners
  


• Demonstrable expertise in laser system concepts and technologies
  


• Additional expertise in engineering systems and components for aerospace and defense missions 
  

• Bachelors (Master’s or PhD degree preferred) in a relevant engineering or applied-science field  
  


• >10 years professional experience including demonstrated success leading large and diverse technical teams in an engineering organization
  


• Direct experience with systems engineering, optical or laser system development, and high-reliability aerospace programs
  


• EVM experience
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements/Demands

• Primarily desk and computer work.
  

• Minimal travel is expected.