< data-section-id="uha01r" data-start="0" data-end="30">Job Title: Principal, Program Manager
Industry: Aerospace / Aviation / Defense
Locations: Palm Bay, Florida | Hanover, Maryland | Ashaway, Rhode Island | Herndon, Virginia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule (Employees work 80 hours over 9 days and receive every other Friday off)
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Principal, Program Manager to join the Program Management Excellence (PMX) organization within a leading Aerospace & Defense environment. This role is ideal for a highly accomplished Program or Proposal Management professional with deep expertise in program execution, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), risk management, process improvement, and operational excellence within complex Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
The selected candidate will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting the Acoustics System PMX Lead and will drive best practices across people, processes, tools, and execution strategies to ensure predictable and successful program delivery across the division.
This position requires a collaborative leader capable of influencing cross-functional teams, improving program performance visibility, standardizing program management processes, and supporting strategic business objectives across multiple high-priority defense programs.
Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Execution & Performance Management
- Drive predictable and disciplined program execution across division programs.
- Lead Program Performance Analysis and Reporting activities for the division.
- Partner with program teams to establish executable baseline cost and schedule plans.
- Monitor program health metrics and support corrective action planning when needed.
- Support program reviews, baseline activities, and execution readiness efforts.
Risk & Opportunity Management
- Drive Risk & Opportunity (R&O) management best practices across all division programs.
- Ensure proactive identification, tracking, mitigation, and reporting of program risks.
- Standardize opportunity and risk management processes across the organization.
Program Management Excellence Initiatives
- Organize and facilitate Gate Reviews and Independent Program Reviews.
- Support implementation and continuous improvement of PMO processes and methodologies.
- Ensure consistency and compliance with program management standards and tools.
Tools, Systems & Process Standardization
Lead implementation and adoption of standardized program management tools and systems, including:
- Common Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS)
- Common Data Matrix (CDM)
- Cobra Standardization
- Opportunity & Risk Register
- Schedule Metrics Analysis & Reporting Tool (SMART)
- Program Health Dashboard (PHD)
- Automated Program Review Template (PRT)
Training & Organizational Development
- Manage and coordinate Division Program Management training initiatives.
- Support Program Leadership Team (PLT) Certification programs.
- Oversee Program Management (RPM) rotational development programs.
- Coordinate training requirements and provide instructional support for program teams.
- Develop and track training metrics and effectiveness.
Proposal & PMO Support
- Ensure appropriate PMO staffing for proposals, baseline planning activities, and program execution.
- Support sector and division-level reviews and strategic initiatives.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to program teams on best practices and compliance standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum 12 years of relevant Program Management experience.
- 10+ years of experience in:
- Proposal Management
- Program Planning
- Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
- Experience managing DoD programs within:
- Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR) environments
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience driving process improvements across large organizations.
- Advanced knowledge of aerospace and defense program execution methodologies.
- Experience supporting complex, multi-functional defense programs.
- Familiarity with program performance analytics and reporting tools.
- Ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.