Technical Program Manager

About the Organization Mettle Ops is a woman-owned business experienced in defense program management, federal acquisitions, business development, engineering, analysis, reporting, and risk management with the mission of helping soldiers survive on the battlefield. Through transparency and grit, Mettle Ops delivers multidisciplinary, comprehensive Department of Defense engineering solutions to government and industry partners on a national scale with a mission to build business based on a philosophy of hard work and dedication.

Mettle Ops believes they have a high obligation to the warfighter, their home state of Michigan, their customers, their employees, their faith, and their place on this earth. Mettle Ops is inspired by courage and tenacity and so-named Mettle Ops.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering to lead complex, cross-functional programs from concept through delivery. This role bridges engineering, operations, and business teams to ensure technical execution aligns with schedule, cost, and performance objectives. The ideal candidate brings both hands‑on engineering experience and proven program management capability in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment.

• Work Environment:
  Office and production floor; regular interaction with engineering teams, manufacturing, and leadership
• Physical Demands:
  Primarily desk‑based with periodic floor support, design reviews, and prototype evaluations
• Communication:
  High level of coordination across internal teams, suppliers, and customers
• Work Hours:
  
  Full‑time with flexibility to support program milestones, testing, and customer needs

Program & Technical Leadership

• Lead end‑to‑end program execution for mechanical and cross‑disciplinary engineering projects
• Translate customer requirements into actionable technical plans and deliverables
• Drive program schedules, milestones, and resource planning to meet delivery commitments
• Identify risks early and lead mitigation strategies across engineering and operations

Engineering Coordination

• Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure design integrity and feasibility
• Support design reviews, technical decision‑making, and trade studies
• Ensure alignment between design, manufacturing, and quality requirements
• Facilitate change management and configuration control processes

Cross‑Functional Execution

• Act as the central point of contact between engineering, production, supply chain, and leadership
• Coordinate prototype builds, testing, and validation activities
• Monitor program cost, schedule, and performance metrics
• Ensure timely resolution of issues impacting delivery or quality

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a primary interface for customers on program status, risks, and deliverables
• Prepare and present program updates, technical briefings, and executive summaries
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements and customer expectations

  Continuous Improvement

  • Drive process improvements across program execution, documentation, and communication
  • Support development of scalable program management best practices
  • Contribute to a culture of accountability, technical rigor, and proactive problem‑solving
  Position Requirements

  Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in engineering and/or technical program management
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycle
  • Experience managing complex, multi‑disciplinary programs
  • Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive results in a fast‑paced environment
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills

  Preferred

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or advanced manufacturing environments
  • Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality management systems
  • PMP certification or equivalent program management experience
  • Experience with CAD tools, PLM systems, and engineering documentation practices

  Key Competencies

  • Technical depth with strong business and program awareness
  • Ability to balance big‑picture strategy with detailed execution
  • Strong leadership and influence without direct authority
  • Risk management and decision‑making under uncertainty
  • Clear, concise communication with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders

  Full‑Time

  Salary $150,000 - $160,000