Program Manager, Defense Contracts

Description

The company builds distributed power generators that run on a range of fuel sources, aiming to keep power clean, flexible and affordable as the energy market shifts.

This role leads the company's government and defense programs from opportunity review and proposal work through contract delivery. You will act as the main contact for each assigned program and turn customer requirements into workable plans that keep scope, schedule, cost, risks and deliverables on track. The role works across engineering, operations, finance, business development, supply chain and outside partners, and supports contract administration, reporting and compliance for each program.

The company expects people to use leading AI tools in their daily work to move faster and tackle harder problems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run government and military programs, coordinating internal teams, suppliers and outside stakeholders.
• Read solicitations, contracts, statements of work, specifications and customer commitments, then convert them into a requirements and deliverables matrix, work plans, schedules, named owners and acceptance criteria.
• Build and maintain integrated schedules, including Gantt charts, and track milestones, dependencies, decisions, risks, issues and corrective actions. Spot schedule or delivery problems early and draft recovery plans.
• Keep requirements and specifications matched to system designs and customer expectations. Track hardware, software and system deliverables through prototype and production.
• Act as the main customer contact for assigned programs, handling daily communication with program offices, contracting officers and technical contacts, and making sure customer priorities shape execution.
• Run regular internal and customer program reviews. Prepare status materials on technical progress, schedule, deliverables, risks and spending, plus weekly health updates and monthly reports when required.
• Build program spend forecasts and track actual costs, commitments and variances with Finance. Make sure financial data meets customer reporting rules.
• Work directly with customers, Tier 1 suppliers and outside stakeholders to fix delivery problems, clear blockers and keep commitments on track.
• Take part in reviewing government contracting opportunities and plan the proposal schedule and required inputs.
• Lead writing, editing, coordinating and submitting proposals and other responses, including SBIR proposals, BAAs, white papers and related government requests.
• Gather technical, programmatic, cost, schedule and compliance input from internal teams and partners, and confirm submissions meet solicitation requirements and deadlines.
• Keep contract requirement matrices, records and audit trails current, and track reporting and other obligations until contract close.
• Coordinate DCAA audits by preparing staff for process reviews, recording findings or deficiencies, tracking corrective actions and reporting progress.
• Run required PIEE workflows, including WAWF and SPRS, and manage SAM.gov account access and annual representations and certifications.
• Work with Finance on government accounting, rate proposals, contract cost tracking and FAR/DFARS processes and training.
• Coordinate with IT, security and support teams on cybersecurity and support-service requirements for government contracts.
• Take on other duties as assigned or needed by the business.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business or a related field.
• At least five years in government program or project management, government contract execution, proposal development or a similar role.
• Experience with government compliance, reporting or audit work is preferred.
• Experience in a technology environment is preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.
• Strong program management skills, covering scope, requirements, schedules, costs, risks and deliverables.
• Clear, concise writing and speaking skills, including persuasive proposals and accurate program reports.
• Technical aptitude and a track record of solving complex problems.
• Working knowledge of government contracting, and the ability to learn and apply contract, reporting and compliance rules.
• Experience with program management tools and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work well with others, follow through, adjust to shifting priorities and meet agreed deadlines in a fast pace.
• Ability to communicate clearly with customers, internal teams, suppliers and partners.
• Experience with high-voltage systems and their safety protocols.
• Ability to travel up to 10% to visit customers, engineering providers and hardware suppliers.

Conditions

Salaried, exempt-level position.

Mostly an office role, with exposure to operations, warehouse and production areas given the nature of the business.

The company is not accepting candidates who need visa sponsorship for this role at this time.

Benefits

• Medical plans with PPO or HDHP options.
• Dental plans, with a buy-up option.
• Vision plan.
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment plans, with buy-up options.
• Short-term and long-term disability, both paid by the company.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA).
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k).
• Voluntary accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity plans.