Program Manager

As a Deputy Program Manager for our portfolio, you will lead efforts encompassing budget, schedule, technical performance, customer satisfaction, and team execution. This role demands a hands‑on approach, requiring involvement in various operational areas such as the flight line, engineering labs, and customer communications. You will support cross‑functional teams and uphold organizational standards.

• Manage program execution across active contracts and development efforts.
• Develop, maintain, and manage integrated master schedules with real milestones.
• Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance according to plan.
• Support monthly program reviews, CDRs, PDRs, and customer milestone events.
• Manage financial baselines and conduct variance analysis.
• Foster technical decision‑making and collaborate with Engineering, Flight Test, and Manufacturing.
• Engage in failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions.
• Interface with Government program offices, prime contractors, and end‑users.
• Communicate status, risks, and issues proactively.
• Identify and capture follow‑on business and program growth opportunities.
• Cultivate a high‑performing team and establish lasting practices and standards.

• 3-15 years of experience in program management.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with aircraft or UAS systems.
• Demonstrated track record managing Aerospace, DoD development or production programs.
• Experience with program management fundamentals: EVM, IMS, risk management, CDR/PDR processes.
• Eligible to obtain a secret clearance.

• Masters degree in Engineering or Business (MBA), or equivalent operational experience.
• Direct experience with Group 24 UAS programs in development, test, or production.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD airworthiness, DO-178/DO-254, or UAS-specific certification pathways.
• PMP, DAWIA, or equivalent program management certification.
• Prior military aviation or UAS operational experience
• Active Top Secret clearance.

The position is fully onsite with a small but robust and growing business. It involves working on exciting new programs with UAS or UAV systems. The work environment is defined by a culture of technical rigor, follow‑through, and a commitment to mission success.

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL.

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and clearance level Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match Paid time off and 11 federal holidays Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates A small company where your decisions matter and your fingerprints are on real hardware flying real missions

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a…