Technical Program Manager

Job Title: Technical Program Manager Defense Systems

Placement Type: Direct Placement FTE

Location: 100% Onsite

This role leads complex aerospace and defense programs that integrate engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements across hypersonics, strategic missile defense, tactical missiles, and integrated defense systems. You will guide highly technical, cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle from planning and development through qualification, production, and delivery ensuring technical, schedule, and contractual commitments are met. The position focuses on defense-oriented hardware programs, particularly high-temperature materials and composite systems, with direct impact on mission-critical capabilities across air, land, and sea.

• Lead cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.
• Guide programs through planning, development, qualification, production, and delivery while managing schedule, cost, risk, and technical performance.
• Operate closely with engineering teams to understand technical discussions, drive execution, and make immediate impact on program performance.
• Interface regularly with customers and internal leadership to maintain clear communication, alignment, and strong customer-facing presence.
• Support business development by contributing to proposal writing, coordinating proposal efforts, and participating in new business and capture activities.
• Coordinate the transition from business development and capture activities into full program execution, ensuring continuity and clarity of scope.
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation of engineering activities, including drawings, technical reports, and executive-level presentations.
• Track program performance using key metrics, analyze trends, and proactively identify program risks, issues, and mitigation actions.
• Support and lead technical reviews and formal program milestone reviews to ensure readiness and compliance with technical and contractual requirements.
• Facilitate detailed program planning, technical decision-making, and change management across engineering and integrated product teams.
• Manage program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing competing priorities and constraints.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful, on-time, and on-budget program delivery.
• Support Integrated Product Teams working on defense systems, missile programs, high-temperature material development, composite systems, propulsion technologies, and space and defense applications.
• Influence technical teams and multidisciplinary groups to align on program goals, resolve issues, and maintain momentum.
• Communicate effectively with executive leadership, providing clear status updates, risk assessments, and recommendations in ambiguous technical environments.

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 2 years in aerospace engineering or systems engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute complex engineering projects from concept through delivery.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams in a technical environment.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks on hardware-focused programs.
• Technical program management experience operating closely with engineering teams and technical execution.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware product development, particularly physical aerospace or defense products taken through…