Strategic Program Manager Jobs in Watertown, MA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

This role oversees complex aerospace and defense programs from concept through delivery, ensuring projects meet technical, schedule, cost, and quality requirements. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, serve as the primary customer point of contact, and drive program performance in a dynamic environment where you can follow products from initial design through manufacturing and into everyday use.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage detailed program plans, including schedules, budgets, resource allocations, and key milestones.
• Monitor program progress to ensure milestones are achieved on time and within budget, adjusting plans as needed.
• Act as the primary customer point of contact, working closely with engineering teams to understand and meet technical requirements.
• Define program scope and deliverables, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams that include engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, operations, and supply chain personnel.
• Identify program risks early, develop robust mitigation strategies, and track risk status throughout the program lifecycle.
• Implement corrective actions to address issues and keep programs on track with schedule, cost, and performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, aerospace quality standards (such as AS9100), and relevant military specifications (MIL-STD).
• Maintain detailed records of program activities, including technical decisions, schedule changes, and financial tracking such as earned value metrics.
• Support costing and quoting activities by providing accurate program cost estimates and schedule inputs.
• Prepare clear, concise updates and presentations for senior leadership and key stakeholders, highlighting status, risks, and required decisions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure smooth production flow and on-time delivery of composite and aerospace components.
• Interface regularly with customers to manage expectations, address concerns, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Use project management tools (such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, Jira, or equivalent) to plan, track, and report program status.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• 1–5 years of experience in program management, project management, or engineering management, preferably within the aerospace industry.
• Background in engineering or technical program management, with the ability to understand and discuss technical requirements.
• Experience managing programs for both defense and commercial aerospace sectors preferred.
• Experience with costing, scheduling, and financial tracking, including earned value management.
• Strong customer interface skills, with the ability to serve as the primary point of contact and manage expectations.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, Jira, or equivalent.
• Experience with risk management, including identifying risks and developing effective mitigation strategies.
• Working knowledge of aerospace and defense standards such as AS9100 and MIL-STD.
• Strong Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and program financial tracking.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the aerospace, defense, or composite manufacturing industry.
• Understanding of composite manufacturing processes.
• Experience in operations environments supporting manufacturing and production programs.
• Familiarity with quoting processes and cost estimation for technical programs.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with a small, highly interactive team.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for reporting to leadership and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to implement corrective actions and drive continuous improvement in program execution.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based at the Hudson facility, working on site five days per week. The culture emphasizes supportive leadership focused on developing and mentoring team members, and offers a setting that is welcoming to individuals with military and veteran backgrounds. Standard office and manufacturing technologies and equipment are used, and attire is typical professional office wear appropriate for an engineering and manufacturing setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of Stow, MA.

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Medical Dental Vision 401k Paid Holidays PTO

This is a fully onsite position in Stow,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.