Weapons Integration Program Manager 3

Description

The company's Defense Systems division is hiring a Weapons Aircraft Integration Program Manager 3 for its advanced weapons business unit in Northridge, CA. The unit designs, develops, manufactures and integrates missile systems that support U.S. national and allied security goals.

You will own missile integration programs for 4th and advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft from start to delivery. You will lead cross-functional teams covering systems engineering, software, test and evaluation, logistics and contracting, and act as the main contact for the Air Force, Joint Program Offices and key industry partners.

The role keeps schedule, budget and performance baselines under close control while delivering missile solutions on time, at a sensible cost and in line with compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full program lifecycle, from integration planning through flight testing, platform certification and Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
• Plan and run tactical missile integration across several aircraft platforms and multiple contracts at the same time.
• Set program scope, objectives and success criteria, then build and maintain the integrated master schedule (IMS), the risk and opportunity register and the cost baselines.
• Run a full risk and opportunity process to find, assess and reduce technical, schedule and cost risks.
• Act as the main link between DoD acquisition offices, aircraft OEMs, subsystem suppliers and test ranges to plan and carry out safe store separation, telemetry verification and live-fire flight tests.
• Lead major reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and close action items on time.
• Control the program budget by approving spending, tracking forecasts and hitting cost-to-complete and EVMS targets.
• Build long-range strategy, capture plans, proposals and business plans to win new work.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team of program managers, engineers, logistics and acquisition specialists.
• Prepare and present status reports, risk assessments and decision briefs for senior leaders and customers.
• Oversee the technical and operational side of missile-to-aircraft integration, including Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for physical, electrical and logical interfaces, internal and external carriage.
• Develop and test missile virtual models.
• Plan and run ground and flight tests.
• Verify system-level integration requirements.
• Develop and test F-35 Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) missile simulators in the SIL lab.
• Support mission planning integration and analysis, such as wind tunnel, CFD and structural work, for weapon carriage and safe separation.
• Run hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and flight test campaigns, approving test plans, data reviews and deviation waivers.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in aerospace, electrical, systems engineering or a related technical field, plus 8+ years of aerospace or defense program management experience, or a master's degree (MS or MBA) plus 6+ years of that experience.
• Proven skill with weapon-to-aircraft interfaces, store separation criteria, test and evaluation planning and fighter aircraft avionics architectures.
• A record of bringing programs to completion on schedule using tools such as Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and risk and opportunity management.
• Experience building multi-year aircraft integration roadmaps and long-range program plans.
• Ability to make sound decisions under uncertainty and high stakes.
• Strong communication, with skill in negotiation, stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution.
• A current U.S. Government DoW Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain a Sensitive Access Program (SAP) clearance.
• Preferred: experience integrating tactical missiles on aircraft.
• Preferred: experience with store separation testing, wind tunnel data or avionics flight software.
• Preferred: direct work on F-16 Configured Systems or F-35 Mission Systems.
• Preferred: a strong record of running Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts.
• Preferred: strong knowledge of aircraft systems, including structures, power distribution, flight controls and data buses.
• Preferred: familiarity with multi-mode tactical missile subsystems, such as guidance, propulsion, warhead and launch hardware.
• Preferred: familiarity with Agile or DevOps practices for software-intensive missile guidance or flight control code.

Conditions

Full-time, on-site role in Northridge, CA. Remote or telework is not available.

Travel is required 25% of the time.

Secret clearance is required to start.

Relocation assistance may be available.

The posted base salary range is $193,000.00 to $289,600.00. This is a general guideline, and the actual offer depends on factors such as the scope of the role, the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

The application period is estimated at 20 days from the posting date, but it may be shortened or extended based on business needs and candidate availability.

Benefits

• Depending on the position, you may be eligible for overtime, shift differential and a discretionary bonus on top of base pay. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and let you share in company results.
• Vice President and Director roles may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.
• Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid company holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business.