SUMMARY
The Senior Program Manager is responsible for ensuring that cost, schedule, and technical objectives are achieved for complex, cross-functional, high-budget, and global supply chain programs. This role leads the development and/or production of large, complex electro-mechanical and pyrotechnic systems to meet or exceed customer expectations. The Senior Program Manager manages key customers, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure alignment with program objectives and resource requirements. The role also supports business development activities, including conference participation, customer briefings, proposal development, and business meetings.
ABOUT US
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Responsible for understanding all aspects of customer contracts to ensure objectives are achieved within contractual constraints.
- Supports administration in identifying and protecting intellectual property.
- Leads cross-functional teams to efficiently meet customer requirements and achieve program success criteria.
- Develops and executes detailed project plans, including cost and schedule management, while proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Oversees system requirements management, documents scope changes as required, and manages Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) communications and processes.
- Builds long-term customer relationships through effective verbal communication (e.g., conference calls, technical interchange meetings, design reviews) and written communication (e.g., emails, reports, proposals).
- Proactively identifies customer needs and collaborates with Business Development to capture new opportunities.
- Mentors developing program managers.
- Supports senior leadership in managing organization-wide initiatives.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Required Education: B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Preferred Experience: Composite or advanced materials familiarity, with a general understanding of engineering principals and processes
- Preferred Education: M.S. or MBA.
- Required Experience: 8+ years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 3 years in Aerospace and/or Systems Engineering.
- Preferred Experience: 5+ years of experience managing teams and/or projects.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and execute large, complex programs.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain at least a DoD/DoE SECRET clearance.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
Skills Required
- B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field
- 8+ years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 3 years in Aerospace and/or Systems Engineering
- Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain at least a DoD/DoE SECRET clearance
- Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and execute large, complex programs
- Familiarity with composites or advanced materials
- M.S. or MBA
- 5+ years of experience managing teams and/or projects
What We Do
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.
