Job description
NorthStar Defense Solutions is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead defense systems initiatives for government and military customers. This is a high-impact, leadership-driven role that merges strategic planning with hands-on execution in a challenging defense environment.
As a Program Manager, you will own the lifecycle from inception to deployment, coordinating with engineering, contracts, logistics, and customer stakeholders to meet rigorous standards, security requirements, and mission objectives.
Responsibility
- Lead end-to-end defense programs from initiation to deployment, aligning with customer requirements and military standards.
- Develop, maintain, and communicate program baselines (scope, schedule, cost) and track progress against milestones.
- Collaborate with engineering, procurement, logistics, contracts, and government customers to manage scope changes and risk.
- Manage budget, EVM, subcontractor performance, and supplier risk to deliver on-time, within budget.
- Facilitate governance reviews, prepare status reports for senior leadership and DoD stakeholders, and present clear, data-driven updates.
- Ensure compliance with MIL-STD and security requirements, including information assurance and export controls as applicable.
- Lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Identify, document, and mitigate program risks, issues, and blockers; implement corrective actions and lessons learned.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems, or related field; Master's preferred.
- 5+ years of program management experience in defense, government contracting, or military tech sectors.
- Proven track record delivering complex defense programs on time and within budget; experience with DoD acquisition lifecycle.
- PM certification (PMP, PgMP, or equivalent) or demonstrated program management expertise.
- Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills; ability to present to government and senior leadership.
- Experience with budgeting, EVM, risk management, and contract administration; proficiency with MS Project or similar tools.
- Active or ability to obtain U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
- Ability to travel as needed to support program needs.