Program Manager III

Company Information:

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Fueled by more than 800 talented employees and a proud 65-year legacy of night vision production excellence, Twenty-Six Defense’s Warfighter Systems business is rooted in the heart of Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find a unique blend of southern hospitality, outdoor adventure, and the energy of a thriving city – all alongside a purpose you can be proud of coming to work each day.

As a world leader in low-light sensor technology, the Warfighter Systems team is engineering the future of image intensifiers and night vision goggle systems as we enter a new era of the networked battlespace. Trusted by the U.S. and nearly 100 allied countries, our technology supports those in harm’s way during the most critical moments, with one goal in mind: bring them home safely.

The work our employees perform each day plays a direct role in national security, and our shared purpose is what truly makes Warfighter Systems so extraordinary. Join our collaborative team, where each voice is valued, and you can thrive, develop, and make a real impact!

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex defense and aerospace programs, ensuring successful delivery while maintaining compliance with federal regulations and industry standards. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in program management best practices to ensure successful execution, customer satisfaction, and business growth. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience managing U.S. Army acquisition programs through the full lifecycle from development to production.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, execution, and delivery of production programs.
• Develop and maintain basis of estimates, program schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
• Manage program risks and issues, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Interface with government customers, prime contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other relevant regulations.
• Prepare and present program status reports to senior management and customers.
• Monitor contract deliverables and coordinate with finance teams for accurate program financials.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within assigned programs.
• Manage transition of products from development to full-rate production.
• Coordinate with Customer acquisition officials and support milestone reviews.
• Oversee production readiness reviews and manufacturing process validation.
• Apply strategic thinking to align objectives with organizational goals and drive long-term value. Support marketing, bid, capture and proposal development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of program management experience in defense, aerospace, or related industries.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Strong knowledge of DOD acquisition processes and military standards.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, risk management and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience with earned value management (EVM) principles preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Project, MS Office Suite, and program management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification preferred.
• Experience managing U.S. Army acquisition programs through development and production phases.
• Knowledge of Army acquisition milestones and documentation requirements.
• Familiarity with production readiness reviews (PRRs) and manufacturing readiness levels (MRLs).
• Experience executing and managing U.S. Army testing and evaluation requirements.
• Background in New Product Introduction transitioning prototype systems to full-rate production.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of systems engineering principles.
• Knowledge of military/aerospace standards (MIL-STD, AS9100).
• Familiarity with government contracting (FAR/DFARS).
• Experience with agile and traditional project management methodologies.
• Knowledge of production and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of Army technical documentation requirements.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Risk management and mitigation expertise.
• Stakeholder management and customer relationship skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Understanding of program documentation (RFPs, proposals, contracts, SOWs, assumptions, constraints, CDRLs).
• Experience coordinating with government acquisition officials.

Travel/Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Must be able to access military installations and secure facilities.
• May require occasional work in industrial environments.

Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer:

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

Why Roanoke, Virginia?

• Lower cost of living
• Family-friendly area
• Career and economic growth
• Scenic beauty
• Outdoor enthusiast’s dream

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

*For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.

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