Deputy Program Manager - Aircraft Development

As a Deputy Program Manager (DPM) you will share responsibility for the program execution of Anduril Weapons and/or Aircraft Programs across multiple stages of the program lifecycle. The DPM will support the Program Director in the management cross functional teams and the development and execution of the program baseline including cost, schedule, and performance. Working closely with the Program Director, the DPM will provide leadership and management for program planning and strategies, scheduling and roadmap development, staffing, risk management, configuration management, requirements management, subcontractor and supply chain management, IRAD planning and execution, financial management, program deliverable development and tracking, customer communications, and program and technical review coordination. The DPM assist in the strategic coordination of cross-team functions to drive optimal outcomes, customer satisfaction, and overall business success. Finally, the DPM will support the Program Director and Chief Engineer in connection with program capture strategy, execution, customer engagement, and VIP coordination activities. This includes working with aircraft and missile Business Line and Growth Leads to drive strategy and expansion of the portfolio for new business synergistic with the program. The DPM must be a composed and strong leader capable of providing leadership and inspiration to a team under emergent program requirements and schedule pressure.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Project and Program Management:

• Conceive and develop processes, tools, and metrics for the improvement of program management and execution, and make timely recommendations to the Program Director for effective and timely implementation
• Work closely with the Program Director to develop and scale and program baseline through collaboration and coordination across technical and functional teams to develop and optimize work breakdown structures (WBS), integrated master plans (IMP), and integrated master schedules (IMS); role-accountability-authority (RAA) plans; technology & design maturation roadmaps; cost performance index (CPI) / schedule performance index (SPI) tracking; Risk, Issues and Opportunity (RIO) Management tracking; operational / personnel security (OPSEC/PERSEC) tracking, etc.
• Develop strong customer relations through effective communications pursuant to the program communication plan, Program Director, and Chief Engineer guidance
• Ensure successful coordination and integration of engineering, R&D, and IRAD expenditures with manufacturing, safety, business development, and administrative functions.
• Work with the Program Director to develop and manage teaming strategies and engagements to build and manage a high performance supplier team
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align goals, optimize processes, and streamline communication across functions.
• Collaborate with the Program Director, Chief Engineer, and program team leaders to monitor, manage, and verify program progress, ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and resource allocation targets.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and effective program execution.
• Apply Earned Value Management processes, techniques, and tools, as appropriate, to track program performance and drive timely cost, schedule and performance plans and course corrections as needed.
• Collaborate with Program Director to ensure alignment with and accountability for time-critical priorities that drive successful and timely program execution and to achieve capture strategies and objectives.

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with Program Director to develop and refine the the program plan and technology maturation roadmap for in support of Air Dominance and Strike weapons and aircraft strategy plans and reviews.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer requirements to identify growth opportunities and make recommendations regarding business and capture strategies.
• Provide support and recommendations to the Program Director and Chief Engineer regarding engineering, R&D, and IRAD and strategies and expenditure plans for integration into the strategic planning process, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and vision.
• Identify areas for process improvement, technology adoption, and innovation across functions to enhance overall program performance and efficiency.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration efforts to ensure seamless integration and successful delivery of program deliverables and products.

Financial Management:

• Work with Program Director and Chief Engineer to ensure that engineering, R&D, and IRAD expenditures including cost performance index (CPI) are tracked and managed in a financially responsible manner, monitoring budgets, tracking estimates to complete, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Coordinate with the Program Director to manage program schedule including schedule performance index (SPI), and technical performance on internal investments and program funds for this development weapon program
• Collaborate with Program Director, finance and business development teams to develop accurate cost estimates and pricing strategies for proposals, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and internal financial targets.
• Work with Program Director for the integration and management of financial planning and reporting across functions, providing insights and guidance to the Program Director on financial performance and risks.
• Direct and manage RIO Management process to identify program risks, issues and opportunities; assess cost and schedule risks relative to financial and schedule constraints, respectively; and develop risk mitigation strategies and coordinate with stakeholders to burn down risk, mitigate cost overruns, and drive successful outcomes.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Work closely with Program Director and Chief Engineer to foster a positive and high-performance culture within the program team, promoting employee engagement, professional development, and retention.
• Proactively assess team skills and resource requirements, identifying training needs or recruitment opportunities and make recommendations to the Program Director and Chief Engineer to strengthen the team’s capabilities.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance to IPT and functional leads and team members, nurturing their professional growth and success.
• Encourage and promote strict adherence to program and company policies, procedures, safety standards, and ethics guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years experience as project manager, Integrated Product Team (IPT) leader, or program manager of a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) or Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Program; at least 4 years in defense aerospace development role preferred
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex, multi-million-dollar programs and driving on-time, on-budget delivery and completion
• Expert knowledge and experience in program planning and execution including WBS, IMP, and IMS development and tracking, and RIO Management
• EVMS certified or EVMS applied experience as an , IPT Lead, Program Manager, Engineering Director
• Expert knowledge of government procurement regulations as they pertain to bid/costing proposals
• Demonstrated financial acumen and ability to manage program budgets effectively.
• Preferred experience working on programs related to fixed wing aircraft, missile, or related weapons systems
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Proficient in project management software tools and Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Secret Security Clearance