Program Manager-(Hybrid- Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD)
About The Position
Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead execution across a portfolio of mixed‑signal R&D and IR&D efforts spanning RF systems, FPGA/firmware, software control, and integration/test activities. This role is focused on program execution, engineering cadence, and decision flow—ensuring technical teams are aligned, dependencies are managed, risks are mitigated, and engineering progress results in measurable, evidence‑based outcomes. The TPM is not the technical authority but must be technically fluent enough to follow architecture discussions, manage cross‑disciplinary dependencies, and effectively translate engineering activity into actionable plans and leadership‑ready reporting. This position supports multiple efforts, including DIU task orders and other international deployment initiatives, and reports under the R&D Programs Director.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (or master’s degree) in Engineering, Telecommunications, Operations Management, Logistics or related fields.
- Minimum 8+ years of experience in program management, project management, or operations coordination
- Experience managing cross‑disciplinary teams (RF, FPGA/firmware, software, integration/test)
- Proven ability to manage ambiguity and early‑stage technical development
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities and stakeholders
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Willingness to travel internationally
- U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret/ SCI security clearance (or ability to obtain).
Nice To Haves
- Satellite communications, RF systems, networking, or telecom background
- Familiarity with government or defense programs
- Experience with logistics or supply chain coordination
- Experience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government-funded R&D efforts.
- Experience with mixed‑signal, RF, FPGA‑based, or embedded systems programs
- Familiarity with architecture trade studies and TRL‑based development
Responsibilities
- Lead program execution across multiple mixed‑signal R&D and IR&D efforts
- Maintain integrated schedules, milestones, and cross‑team dependencies
- Facilitate recurring engineering cadence (standups, reviews, integration readiness, risk reviews)
- Drive action closure and capture technical and programmatic decisions
- Manage architecture trade studies, including option development, assumptions, decision criteria, and recommendation packages
- Coordinate internal and customer‑facing technical reviews
- Ensure assumptions, constraints, and decisions are documented and traceable
- Coordinate international logistics, shipping, customs, and export compliance with vendors and partners
- Support travel planning and deployment team coordination
- Interface with government reps, local partners, host-nation entities, and commercial site owners
- Track equipment inventory and configuration across deployment sites
- Assist in contingency planning for delays, access issues, or emergent operational risks
- Coordinate international shipping, customs, and export compliance activities
- Support travel planning and deployment team coordination
- Interface with government representatives, local partners, and host organizations
- Track equipment inventory and configuration at each site
- Support contingency planning for deployment delays or site issues
- Maintain deployment risk and issue tracking
- Identify site readiness or partner execution risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Elevate critical blockers affecting deployment schedules
- Coordinate technical troubleshooting between engineering teams and on-site personnel
- Track labor and travel expenditures against plan
- Support bi-weekly program status reporting
- Assist with task order execution tracking
- Maintain deployment documentation and configuration records
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Professional development and growth opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
