[Hiring] Senior Program Manager @STENA

Role Description

You will report directly to the VP Government and Commercial Programs. This position shares financial responsibility (Revenue and P&L) with the VP Government and Commercial Programs by assisting to develop annual business plans, compiling financial forecasts, conducting margin analysis, creating business reviews for price lists and proposals, as well as interacting daily with customers and Business Development to lead new product development, contract negotiations, and an internal team to successfully execute company operational plans.

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) is a mission-critical leader who owns delivery outcomes for complex, multi-disciplinary programs driving cost/schedule/technical performance, strengthening customer relationships, and partnering with Business Development to grow the portfolio. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional negotiation ability, and hands-on business development experience in a hardware-centric manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions

• Deliver programs to contractual commitments with ≥95% on-time performance for DPAS and other priority orders.
• Achieve cost variance within ±3% of baseline EAC and maintain accurate monthly forecasts.
• Stand up disciplined risk/opportunity management with quantified mitigation plans; maintain risk burn-down trajectory.
• Establish and lead integrated master schedule (IMS) governance and phase-gate reviews (PDR/CDR/PRR/FCA/DCA as applicable).
• Reduce change-cycle time by improving configuration control and supplier responsiveness.
• Strengthen customer satisfaction (measured via formal reviews/action-item closure rate and survey feedback).
• Support capture with at least two material wins (proposal leadership, pricing strategy, and negotiations).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-functional teams from proposal through contract award, development, production, and sustainment.
• Own cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk; maintain EVMS artifacts and report earned value.
• Run regular IPTs, management reviews, and customer status meetings; drive decision-making and accountability.
• Build and manage baselines, EACs, and monthly forecasts; partner with Finance on margin protection.
• Coordinate proposals, RFQ responses, pricing strategies, and TINA-compliant submissions; support DCMA/DCAA.
• Navigate contract types (FFP/CPFF/T&M), modifications (ECP/CCP), and compliance with FAR/DFARS.
• Serve as primary customer interface; shape requirements and negotiate scope, price, and delivery terms.
• Collaborate with BD to develop capture plans, value propositions, and competitive proposals.
• Represent Miltope at reviews and industry engagements; open doors and deepen relationships with primes and key suppliers.
• Partner with Engineering on development plans, qualification/verification, and production readiness.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain on make/buy, obsolescence mitigation, and long-lead procurement.
• Ensure robust configuration management, change control, and quality (AS9100/ISO 9001 environment).
• Maintain IMS/IMP governance, risk registers, and action trackers; publish clear, concise status reports.
• Drive continuous improvement across schedule fidelity, lead times, and cost control.

Leadership Competencies

• Influence without authority across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Negotiation excellence with customers and suppliers; creates win–win outcomes while protecting margin and schedule.
• Decisive, data-informed problem solving; escalates early and drives closure.
• Resilience and ownership; thrives in an execution-focused, hardware manufacturing environment.
• Clear, concise communication tailored to executives, customers, and shop-floor teams.

Working Environment

• Working environment will be primarily indoors, unrestricted travel may be required.
• The individual must also be willing to perform stand-by/after hours and weekend work.
• Remote work eligible upon management authorization.

Physical Activities

• The individual must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted and heavier items assisted.
• The individual must be able to reside at a desk working for extended periods of time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of program management in the defense and/or aerospace industry. Proven track record managing complex government contracts and understanding public procurement frameworks.
• Technical Savvy: Strong background in program management and the technical design-to-production lifecycle.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a US security clearance.
• Extensive experience working within the Department of War (DoW) environment, including a strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, and other government contracting regulations.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks; excellent time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to interface with project team and external vendors and be able to accurately document, report and present.
• A drive for results in a teambuilding environment.
• Ability to research solutions and apply advanced planning tools and techniques to resolve business challenges.
• Strong problem solving and negotiation skills to ensure accountability of supply base is maintained.
• Ability to organize, schedule, budget and coordinate work phases.
• A clear understanding of relevant quality standards including AS9100 Rev D.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint); proficient experience using internal ERP systems, use of all engineering software and related applications.
• No travel restrictions.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master’s degree.
• PMP certification.
• Experience in Lean, Six Sigma or other formal continuous improvement programs.
• Electronics industry experience.
• Experience negotiating national and foreign LTA agreements with both large and small program offices, letters of intent, POs and other contractual arrangements.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP system.
• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing processes.

Benefits

• 401K with company match.
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.
• Disability.
• PTO.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance.
• Development and Career Growth Opportunities.