Sr. Manager, Technical Program Management

PDW • Huntsville, AL

52d • Hybrid

About The Position

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Sr. Manager of Technical Program Management to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from concept through qualification, launch, and early production. This leader will own the planning, execution rhythm, risk management, and cross-functional alignment required to deliver complex hardware products on time and with high reliability.
The successful candidate will directly manage the Technical Program Managers responsible for NPI programs, establish the operating cadence and processes needed for disciplined execution, and serve as a trusted internal delivery leader to engineering leadership. The role will also manage subcontractors developing components and subsystems for PDW products, with limited but occasional customer interaction as needed. This leader is expected to thrive in an innovative, fast-paced environment, solve problems quickly, and drive disciplined program delivery without slowing product velocity.

Requirements

• 10 or more years of experience in technical program management, engineering program management, systems engineering, project engineering, or a closely related technical leadership function.
• Minimum of 4 years leading complex cross-functional technical programs or integrated product development efforts, including people leadership and ownership of execution processes.
• Experience leading complex technical programs involving multidisciplinary engineering teams in demanding or mission-critical environments; unmanned or manned aircraft systems experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles, system integration, verification/test, manufacturing readiness, and fielding for complex hardware systems.
• Proven ability to translate technical complexity into executable program plans, milestones, and decision-ready status for leadership.
• Demonstrated success driving cross-functional alignment and accountability across engineering and operational stakeholders in an internal delivery environment.
• Excellent risk management, issue resolution, and problem-solving skills in fast-moving environments with incomplete information.
• Experience creating scalable program management processes, structures, and reporting mechanisms in a growing organization.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to directly manage TPMs, coach teams, influence without authority, and hold stakeholders accountable for commitments.
• Experience successfully managing program schedules, dependencies, and delivery timelines, including coordination with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or similarly complex hardware environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex NPI programs to meet scope, schedule, cost, and performance objectives.
• Own people leadership for the Technical Program Management team, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and team development for NPI-focused TPMs.
• Drive integrated program plans across engineering, test, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and operations, with a primary focus on internal execution excellence.
• Establish and maintain program governance including milestones, reviews, action tracking, risk registers, and executive status reporting.
• Partner with engineering and functional leaders to identify critical path items, resolve cross-functional blockers, and maintain delivery momentum.
• Manage technical schedules, dependencies, and trade-offs across multiple concurrent programs and product lines.
• Manage major subcontractors developing components and subsystems, including scope, schedules, deliverables, technical coordination, and integration readiness.
• Lead issue escalation, decision framing, and follow-through to closure for program-level risks and execution challenges.
• Improve predictability and organizational effectiveness by introducing right-sized tools, metrics, and processes for a dynamic hardware environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed