AIT Waterfront Program Manager

TRISTAR INC•Crane, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced Program Manager to join our team in Crane, Indiana. This pivotal role involves leading and coordinating the Waterfront Support and AIT Services for maritime and defense platforms. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in managing complex system integration efforts on naval vessels or platforms, ensuring seamless collaboration among engineering teams, shipyards, subcontractors, and government stakeholders. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards, we invite you to apply and become part of our dynamic organization.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in defense/maritime programs, with 2+ years in a leadership role.
Strong understanding of AIT processes, shipboard systems, and integration/test practices in a shipyard or waterfront environment.
Minimum three (3) years project management/integrated master schedule development and maintenance.
Minimum two (2) years financial management experience.
Knowledge of DoD appropriations and the use and management of appropriations.
PMP-certified Project Management Professional.
Preferred experience in management of heavy travel personnel and/or installation/shipyard tasking personnel.
Experience interfacing with Navy or DoD stakeholders, including NAVSEA or equivalent.
Proven track record of managing complex technical projects to completion on time and within budget.
Ability to work onsite at the waterfront with flexible hours as needed.
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Must be U.S. Citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain an active secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with military shipbuilding processes, combat systems integration, and test readiness reviews (TRRs).
Knowledge of Contracts, Budgets, Travel Estimates, ROMs and other program control methodologies.
Experience with Configuration Management (CM) and Quality Assurance (QA) systems.
Prior experience managing subcontractors and field support teams.

Responsibilities

Lead AIT efforts at the waterfront, overseeing integration and testing of mission systems, combat systems, mechanical/electrical systems, and other subsystems.
Develop and manage detailed schedules, risk mitigation plans, and resource allocations to meet program milestones.
Act as the primary point of contact at the waterfront, coordinating with shipbuilders, government customers (e.g., NAVSEA), subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
Ensure adherence to quality assurance procedures, safety regulations, and contractual requirements.
Facilitate regular status meetings, providing technical and programmatic updates to internal and external stakeholders.
Support material readiness, test planning, and installation verification processes.
Manage budgets and control program costs, identifying and resolving variances.
Provide leadership to cross-functional teams including engineers technicians, and logisticians.
Drive continuous improvement in integration/test processes and documentation.
Oversee issue resolution and troubleshooting during testing and integration activities.