Senior Program Manager

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. • Aurora, IL

1d • $137,844 - $176,134 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) business unit of Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a leading innovator in helmet mounted display technology. We have an opening for a Senior Program Manager (PM) in our Aurora, IL office to support development and production programs in the military market. This position will report to the Director of Program Management and requires close coordination with other departments including Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Business Development, and Contracts. Coordination with Thales Group offices in other countries may also be required to successfully execute joint programs.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in related technical field.
• Minimum 4-8 years as a Program Manager, including prior experience in a hands-on engineering role (software, electrical, mechanical, systems, etc.)
• Basic accounting and financial knowledge and profit-oriented business sense as well as effective negotiating skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
• Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
• Computer proficiency required and experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience managing small teams, working effectively in a matrix team structure, setting business growth objectives and achieving results.
• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

• US government/ DOD contracting experience/ understanding of required processes for reporting through major defense contractors highly preferred.
• Commercial Avionics Industry background.
• Experience working cross functionally along with a familiarity of full product lifecycle for complex systems.
• Experience with avionics modification programs for either fixed and/or rotary wing.
• EVMS experience.
• PMP certification.
• Conversational fluency in French or Korean

Responsibilities

• Management of multiple assigned programs ensuring compliance with all Thales program management processes and procedures, including development of program plans, task definitions, schedules, budgets, program technical requirements, resource requirements and risk management on all assigned programs.
• Provision of timely reporting to senior leadership with details on program status and performance.
• Conduct regular cross-functional meetings to review status towards objectives and identify issues early in the program.
• Responsible for customer communication and satisfaction, including follow-on business quotes and proposals.
• Management of technical and financial risks and ability to lead/conduct of technical reviews.
• As identified, responsible as capture lead for specific proposal efforts and supporting other proposal efforts with budget and schedule information.
• Responsible for ensuring coordination of activities with subcontractors, vendors and suppliers as necessary to support assigned programs.
• Responsible for ensuring effective Thales scope directions from the customer and suppliers are appropriately processed through the contract.
• Coordinate and foster proper communication between the customer and the program team.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
• Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
• Generous 401(k) program - up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
• Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• Hybrid working environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior