Senior Program Manager Business Unit: Miltope Corporation Location: Hope Hull, AL or Huntsville, AL This position is an Exempt salary role which normally works a 9/80 work schedule. Non-duty hours work may be required based on business need
Who YOU are and what YOU can become:
You are a high performing strategist with an attention to excellence and detail. You have a knack for spotting areas of improvement and provide a strong attention to detail to your work. You are looking for a role that ultimately serves a noble purpose…like our nation’s warfighters.
Who WE are and where WE are going:
At ST Engineering North America Government, Miltope Corporation we apply our technology and innovation to solve real-world problems and improve lives. Our dedication to excellence and our strong track record have earned us a distinctive reputation for quality and trust as a global technology, defense and engineering group. Our diverse portfolio of businesses spans the aerospace, smart city, defense and public security segments. We are continuing to grow as our expertise and facilities around the world keep aircraft flying safely and transform and future-proof cities to make them more mobile, more secure and more livable.
What YOU will do:
You will report directly to the VP Government and Commercial Programs. This position shares financial responsibility (Revenue and P&L) with the VP Government and Commercial Programs by assisting to develop annual business plans, compiling financial forecast, conducting margin analysis, creating business reviews for price list and proposals, as well as interacting daily with customers and Business Development to lead new product development, contract negotiations, and an internal team to successfully execute company operational plans. The Senior Program Manager (SPM) is a mission-critical leader who owns delivery outcomes for complex, multi-disciplinary programs driving cost/schedule/technical performance, strengthening customer relationships, and partnering with Business Development to grow the portfolio. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional negotiation ability, and hands-on business development experience in a hardware-centric manufacturing environment.
Essential Functions (To perform within this position successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.)
- Deliver programs to contractual commitments with ≥95% on-time performance for DPAS and other priority orders.
- Achieve cost variance within ±3% of baseline EAC and maintain accurate monthly forecasts.
- Stand up disciplined risk/opportunity management with quantified mitigation plans; maintain risk burn-down trajectory.
- Establish and lead integrated master schedule (IMS) governance and phase-gate reviews (PDR/CDR/PRR/FCA/DCA as applicable).
- Reduce change-cycle time by improving configuration control and supplier responsiveness.
- Strengthen customer satisfaction (measured via formal reviews/action-item closure rate and survey feedback).
- Support capture with at least two material wins (proposal leadership, pricing strategy, and negotiations).
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Delivery:
- Lead multi-functional teams from proposal through contract award, development, production, and sustainment.
- Own cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk; maintain EVMS artifacts and report earned value.
- Run regular IPTs, management reviews, and customer status meetings; drive decision-making and accountability.
Financial & Contracts Management:
- Build and manage baselines, EACs, and monthly forecasts; partner with Finance on margin protection.
- Coordinate proposals, RFQ responses, pricing strategies, and TINA-compliant submissions; support DCMA/DCAA.
- Navigate contract types (FFP/CPFF/T&M), modifications (ECP/CCP), and compliance with FAR/DFARS.
Customer Engagement & Business Development:
- Serve as primary customer interface; shape requirements and negotiate scope, price, and delivery terms.
- Collaborate with BD to develop capture plans, value propositions, and competitive proposals.
- Represent Miltope at reviews and industry engagements; open doors and deepen relationships with primes and key suppliers.
Technical & Operations Integration:
- Partner with Engineering on development plans, qualification/verification, and production readiness.
- Coordinate with Supply Chain on make/buy, obsolescence mitigation, and long-lead procurement.
- Ensure robust configuration management, change control, and quality (AS9100/ISO 9001 environment).
Governance & Reporting:
- Maintain IMS/IMP governance, risk registers, and action trackers; publish clear, concise status reports.
- Drive continuous improvement across schedule fidelity, lead times, and cost control.
Leadership Competencies
- Influence without authority across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
- Negotiation excellence with customers and suppliers; creates win–win outcomes while protecting margin and schedule.
- Decisive, data-informed problem solving; escalates early and drives closure.
- Resilience and ownership; thrives in an execution-focused, hardware manufacturing environment.
- Clear, concise communication tailored to executives, customers, and shop-floor teams.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- Working environment will be primarily indoors, unrestricted travel may be required
- The individual must also be willing to perform stand-by/after hours and weekend work
- Remote work eligible upon management authorization
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
- The individual must be able to lift 25 lbs. unassisted and heavier items assisted
- The individual must be able to reside at a desk working for extended periods of time
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of program management in the defense and/or aerospace industry. Proven track record managing complex government contracts and understanding public procurement frameworks.
- Technical Savvy: Strong background in program management and the technical design-to-production lifecycle.
- Ability to obtain/maintain a US security clearance
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Extensive experience working within the Department of War (DoW) environment, including a strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, and other government contracting regulations
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks; excellent time management skills
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to interface with project team and external vendors and be able to accurately document, report and present
- A drive for results in a teambuilding environment
- Ability to research solutions and apply advanced planning tools and techniques to resolve business challenges
- Strong problem solving and negotiation skills to ensure accountability of supply base is maintained
- Ability to organize, schedule, budget and coordinate work phases
- A clear understanding of relevant quality standards including AS9100 Rev D
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint); proficient experience using internal ERP systems, use of all engineering software and related applications
- No travel restrictions
Preferred Education & Experience:
- Master’s degree
- PMP certification
- Experience in Lean, Six Sigma or other formal continuous improvement programs
- Electronics industry experience
- Experience negotiating national and foreign LTA agreements with both large and small program offices, letters of intent, POs and other contractual arrangements
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP system
- Thorough knowledge of manufacturing processes
YOU get more than Just compensation with Miltope:
- 401K with company match
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Disability
- PTO
- Tuition Assistance
- Life and Accidental Death Insurance
- Development and Career Growth Opportunities
Please contact: Human Resources at hr@miltope.com It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering/Miltope Corporation is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We’re proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment. Miltope is an equal opportunity company who does not discriminate as to race, religion, sex, sexual preference, religion or national origin. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It’s through our differences that innovative changes are made.
Miltope Corporation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Team at hr@miltope.com.