Program Development Manager Jobs in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Description

Background check, US Citizenship, secret clearance, and drug screening are requirements of this position. 

The McHenry Management Group (TMMG) is seeking an experienced LSM Program Test & Evaluation Manager to support TOTE Services as part of the Landing Ship Medium (LSM) Vessel Construction Management (VCM) Team. This position serves as TMMG's senior technical authority for all Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities throughout the LSM construction program and is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a standardized testing framework across multiple shipyards during the five-year vessel construction effort.

Working as an extension of TOTE's Program Management Office, the Program Test & Evaluation Manager will develop the overall Test & Evaluation Strategy, establish standardized testing policies and procedures, oversee implementation of Phase 6 and Phase 7 testing requirements, and provide independent technical oversight of shipyard testing activities. This position serves as the focal point for ensuring every vessel is tested using consistent processes, procedures, documentation, and readiness criteria regardless of the constructing shipyard.

Unlike a traditional shipyard Test Manager responsible for executing production testing, this position governs the overall testing program. The Program Test & Evaluation Manager develops testing standards, evaluates shipyard execution, identifies technical and schedule risks, recommends corrective actions, and provides objective assessments to TOTE leadership regarding overall program readiness, testing performance, and vessel delivery risk.

The successful candidate will work closely with TOTE Vessel Construction Managers, Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) personnel, Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, ABS, NAVSEA, OEM vendors, and on-site TMMG Test Analysts to ensure testing activities remain aligned with program objectives while continuously improving testing processes from hull-to-hull throughout the life of the contract.

Requirements

Position Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to establish and maintain a single, standardized Test & Evaluation Program that ensures every Landing Ship Medium is constructed, tested, documented, and delivered using common testing standards regardless of the shipyard performing the work.

This position provides technical leadership throughout the entire construction lifecycle by developing standardized testing processes, integrating lessons learned into future hulls, identifying program risks before they impact schedule or cost, and ensuring TOTE receives independent, objective assessments of testing readiness and vessel completion.

Organizational Relationships

Reports To

TMMG Program Manager

Supports TOTE Vessel Construction Management Leadership

Supervises

o Mid-Level Test Analyst (Fincantieri Marinette Marine)

o Junior Test Analyst (Fincantieri Marinette Marine)

o Future On-Site Test Analysts supporting additional shipyards

Coordinates With

o TOTE Program Manager

o TOTE Vessel Construction Managers

o TOTE On-Site Representatives

Shipyard Test Organizations

o Engineering

o Production

o Quality Assurance

o Integrated Master Schedule Team

o Supply Chain Management

o ABS Surveyors

o NAVSEA Representatives

o U.S. Coast Guard Representatives

o Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership

Develop, implement, and continuously improve the overall LSM Program Test & Evaluation Strategy.

Establish standardized testing policies, procedures, and governance applicable across all participating shipyards.

Ensure consistency in testing philosophy, execution, documentation, and reporting throughout the life of the LSM Program.

Provide technical leadership and mentoring to all TMMG Test Analysts assigned to the program.

Serve as TOTE's principal advisor for Test & Evaluation planning, execution, readiness, and continuous improvement.

Test Program Development

Lead the development and maintenance of:

Program Test & Evaluation Strategy

Phase 6 Test Program

Phase 7 Test Program

Standard Test Procedure Development Guide

Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Strategy

Test Readiness Review (TRR) Process

Trial Readiness Assessment Process

Test Flow-Down Requirements

Deficiency Management Process

Test Metrics and Key Performance Indicators

Executive Test Dashboard

Lessons Learned Program

Program Standardization

Establish standardized processes for all participating shipyards including:

o Test procedure format and quality standards

o Factory Acceptance Testing

o Dock Trials

o Harbor Acceptance Trials

o Builder's Trials

o Acceptance Trials

o System Completion Verification

o Test Readiness Reviews

o Deficiency Reporting

o Corrective Action Tracking

o Trial Documentation

o Executive Reporting

Ensure each shipyard operates under the same minimum testing expectations while incorporating customer requirements, ABS Rules, NAVSEA requirements, contract specifications, and industry best practices.

Shipyard Oversight

Provide independent oversight of each participating shipyard by:

Reviewing shipyard-developed testing plans and procedures.

Evaluating system completion plans and test sequencing.

Assessing testing readiness prior to major milestones.

Reviewing Factory Acceptance Test plans and reports.

Monitoring testing performance and compliance with approved procedures.

Identifying technical and schedule risks affecting vessel delivery.

Providing recommendations for improving testing efficiency and quality.

Supporting TOTE during shipyard source selection by evaluating each shipyard's testing capability and execution approach.

Risk Management

Identify and evaluate program risks including:

Test readiness risks

System completion risks

Procedure quality deficiencies

Factory Acceptance Test risks

Trial schedule impacts

Deficiency trends

Resource constraints

Technical integration issues

Shipyard execution risks

Develop mitigation strategies and provide timely recommendations to TOTE leadership.

Executive Reporting

Develop and maintain executive-level reports covering:

Overall Program Test Status

Vessel Readiness

Factory Acceptance Testing Progress

Trial Readiness

System Completion

Deficiency Trends

High-Risk Systems

Testing Metrics

Shipyard Performance

Lessons Learned

Emerging Risks

Recommended Corrective Actions

Provide concise, objective assessments that support executive decision-making.

Continuous Improvement

Collect, evaluate, and implement lessons learned throughout construction.

Continuously improve:

o Test procedures

o Readiness processes

o Deficiency management

o Reporting methods

o Standard work practices

o Shipyard coordination

o Program metrics

Ensure improvements developed on one hull are incorporated into future vessels across all participating shipyards.

Experience

Minimum fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience supporting naval shipbuilding, commercial shipbuilding, ship repair, marine engineering, or industrial construction.

Minimum ten (10) years managing or leading shipboard testing, trials, commissioning, or Test & Evaluation programs.

Demonstrated experience developing Test & Evaluation Plans, Test Procedures, Trial Agendas, and Test Readiness Reviews.

Experience supporting Factory Acceptance Testing, Dock Trials, Harbor Acceptance Trials, Builder's Trials, and Acceptance Trials.

Experience evaluating shipyard production schedules and integrating testing activities with construction milestones.

Experience working directly with customer representatives, classification societies, regulatory agencies, and OEM vendors.

Strong understanding of system completion, deficiency management, and trial readiness processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with experience supporting one or more of the following programs or organizations are highly desired:

o Landing Ship Medium (LSM)

o Military Sealift Command (MSC)

o NAVSEA Shipbuilding Programs

o Fincantieri Marinette Marine

o Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)

o Constellation-Class Frigate (FFG 62)

o Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC)

o U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Programs

ABS Classification

Vessel Construction Management

Integrated Master Scheduling (Primavera P6)

Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)

Physical Job Requirements

The physical requirements described below are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Ability to work effectively in a remote office environment while spending extended periods using computers, project management software, collaboration platforms, and document management systems.

Ability to review and analyze large volumes of technical documentation including engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, test procedures, deficiency reports, and contract requirements.

Ability to travel approximately 25-35% of the time to shipyards, vendor facilities, customer meetings, Factory Acceptance Tests, Test Readiness Reviews, Dock Trials, Harbor Trials, Builder's Trials, and Acceptance Trials.

Ability to safely access active shipyards, vessels under construction, fabrication facilities, machinery spaces, and waterfront operations while complying with all safety requirements and wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Ability to climb ladders, navigate multiple decks, walk long distances within shipyards, stand for extended periods during inspections and trials, and occasionally lift equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Ability to maintain a dedicated remote workspace with reliable high-speed internet capable of supporting secure communications and customer information systems.

Ability to respond to critical program issues outside normal business hours during significant testing events and vessel delivery milestones.

Education/Certification Requirements

o Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline is preferred.

o Equivalent military or commercial shipbuilding experience may be substituted for formal education.