Senior Program Manager

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling?

For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard.

When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: [https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers](https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers).

About Federal Equipment Company (FEC):

Federal Equipment Company has been a leading supplier of marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. The company, now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, is rapidly growing.

Position Title: Sr. Program Manager

Reports to: Program Management Director

Position Summary:

Federal Equipment Company has been a leading supplier for marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. Through the years the company has emerged into an internationally recognized organization with extensive expertise in marine design/engineering and manufacturing of critical shipboard systems. The company, now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, is rapidly growing and in need of a Sr. Program Manager. The position is responsible for rapid, consistent, and efficient program management through initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling and closing of projects for our customers.

Coordinates customer interface support and assures compliance to contract and product specifications from receipt of contract through completion of the program. This position requires technical and administrative control of projects in accordance with the agreed/authorized objectives, schedule, and internal/external requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Full Program Ownership: Lead the integrated program team, assuming full accountability for program performance, including schedule adherence, cost control, technical execution, and profitability.
• Strategic Customer Management: Own the senior-level customer relationship, acting as a trusted partner to manage expectations, lead major negotiations, and ensure total satisfaction.
• Planning & Execution: Develop, maintain, and execute the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and program budget. Establish strategic milestones and govern the program's critical path.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate significant program risks while actively developing and pursuing opportunities to improve performance and profitability.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive execution and integration across a matrixed team of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality experts. Influence without direct authority and ensure seamless collaboration.
• Subcontractor & Supplier Governance: Oversee the performance and strategy for major subcontractors and key suppliers, ensuring they meet all technical, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Financial Oversight: Own the program's financial performance, including variance analysis, Estimate at Complete (EAC) reporting, and presenting program health to executive leadership.
• Process Improvement & Mentorship: Champion and implement program management best practices to mature organizational processes. Mentor junior program managers and other team members.

Qualifications, Skills and Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field is strongly preferred. A degree in Business Management will also be considered.
• A minimum of 8+ years of demonstrated success leading complex technical programs in a design, manufacturing, or defense/aerospace environment.
• Direct experience in design/build or complex manufacturing environments is required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams and influence senior leaders.
• Strong command of government contracting, including FAR / DFAR regulations.
• Demonstrated experience managing major subcontractors and suppliers on a global scale.
• Excellent business power user IT skills (MS Office & Office 365, MS Project)
• Previous experience in a machine shop is a plus.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving ability.
• Strong English language communications skills (verbal, written and presentation); ability to clearly and concisely express and present information (or data) to non-technical associates, peers, and senior management.
• Strong financial acumen related to reporting and decision-making.
• Highly motivated, self-determined spirit.
• Flexibility to adjust and thrive in an environment with changing requirements, schedules and priorities for multiple projects or assignments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Occasionally lift and move materials up to 10 pounds.
• Usual office working conditions with the mix of a production environment.
• Expert financial acumen with deep experience managing program budgets, EACs, and P&L.
• Proven ability to operate effectively and drive results in an environment with evolving processes and high ambiguity.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel up to 20%.

Note: This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.

This specification is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. Ability to competently perform all the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, demonstrated commitment to effective customer service delivery, and the ability to work productively as a member of a team or work group are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse Defense.