Associate Program Manager

Associate Program Manager

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) is headquartered in Clarksburg, MD. TDSI serves domestic and international defense stakeholders in Air, Land and Sea domains with a portfolio that includes tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet‑mounted displays, optics, target recognition, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems.

• Competitive Salary
• Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
• Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
• Generous 401(k) program – up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• Hybrid working environment

Location:

Aurora, IL, US (ZIP 60504)

The Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) business unit of Thales Defense & Security is a leading innovator in helmet‑mounted display technology. We are looking for an Associate Program Manager to support development and production programs in the military market.

This position reports to the Director of Program Management and requires close coordination with Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Business Development, Contracts, and Thales Group offices in other countries.

• Manage multiple projects, ensuring compliance with Thales program management processes and procedures, including development of program plans, schedule, budgets, technical and resource requirements, and risk management.
• Provide timely reporting to senior program management leadership on program status and performance.
• Conduct regular cross‑functional meetings to review status toward objectives and identify issues early.
• Serve as the point of contact for customer communication and satisfaction, including follow‑on business quotes and proposals.
• Manage technical and financial risks and lead or conduct technical reviews.
• Act as Capture Lead for specific proposal efforts, supporting additional proposals with budget and schedule information.
• Coordinate activities with subcontractors, vendors and suppliers to support assigned programs.
• Ensure effective scope directions from the customer and suppliers are processed through the contract.
• Foster proper communication between the customer and the program team.

• U.S. citizenship required. Applicants may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a related technical field.
• Minimum of 2–4 years’ experience as an engineer (software, electrical, mechanical, systems, etc.). Previous program management experience preferred.
• Basic accounting and financial knowledge, profit‑oriented business sense, and effective negotiating skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
• Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
• Computer proficiency required and experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience managing small teams, working effectively in a matrix team structure, setting business growth objectives and achieving results.
• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

• US government/DOD contracting experience and knowledge of required processes for reporting through major defense contractors.
• Commercial avionics industry background.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with familiarity of the full product lifecycle for complex systems.
• Experience with avionics modification programs for fixed and/or rotary wing.
• EVMS experience.
• PMP certification.
• Conversational fluency in French or Korean.

The annualized pay range for this role is $88,562–$113,163 USD, with a target incentive compensation plan of 10%.

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact the recruiter at

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non‑discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E‑Verify employer.

If you need an accommodation or assistance to apply for this position, please call Human Resources at 202‑961‑1016.