Senior Principal Program Manager

This Senior Principal Program Manager role leads a complex portfolio of aerospace and defense programs focused on advanced electro-optical and infrared systems. The position oversees product line program management, driving execution from early concept and rapid prototyping through development, production transition, and delivery. The role operates at both strategic and execution levels, partnering with cross-functional leaders to ensure programs meet contractual, technical, financial, and customer objectives. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in complex technical program leadership, product development, and program recovery, and excels at leading through influence in a highly visible, onsite environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily execution of multiple programs and product line initiatives to achieve cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer objectives.
• Oversee a portfolio of development programs, production programs, internal research and development efforts, and new product development projects within the product line.
• Serve as a primary interface between Line-of-Business leadership, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Business Development to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Lead monthly program reviews for the product line, covering financial performance, schedule health, risk status, technical progress, and corrective actions.
• Ensure consistent application of program management methodologies, tools, processes, and directives across the product line.
• Lead new product development efforts, including rapid prototyping, development program execution, and transition of products into production.
• Partner with Engineering leadership to manage technical scope, requirements decomposition, system and subsystem statements of work, design reviews, integration activities, and technical risk.
• Intercede with Engineering and functional management as needed to remove roadblocks, realign priorities, and ensure program objectives are accomplished.
• Plan, track, and execute technical programs from kickoff through completion using sound program management and technical practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, performance enhancement, manufacturability, and program execution efficiency.
• Track program cost, schedule, and performance against established milestones and contractual commitments.
• Ensure robust methods are used to manage program budgets, forecasts, labor plans, material spend, inventory, cash flow, and overall financial performance.
• Conduct variance analysis using Earned Value Management principles and other program health metrics to identify and address deviations.
• Develop and maintain leading indicators that help program teams identify emerging issues before they impact cost, schedule, or customer commitments.
• Regularly report program and product line status to executive leadership and key management stakeholders.
• Develop and implement processes for identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risk throughout the program lifecycle.
• Lead recovery planning and execution for programs that are off track in cost, schedule, technical performance, material readiness, or customer satisfaction.
• Drive root-cause analysis, corrective action planning, and continuous improvement initiatives across the product line.
• Exercise sound judgment when escalating issues and obtaining management approval for decisions that may affect program cost, schedule, or performance.
• Ensure corrective actions have clear ownership, are tracked diligently, and are executed through closure.
• Engage with existing customers to gather feedback on program performance, customer satisfaction, product needs, and future requirements.
• Support Business Development, Sales, Marketing, and Campaign leadership in identifying new opportunities with existing and prospective customers.
• Assist in developing product and technology strategies for the assigned product line.
• Support proposal development, capture activities, requirements analysis, contract strategy, and bid reviews.
• Participate in customer reviews, executive meetings, program reviews, and strategic growth discussions.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop program management talent across the product line.
• Support the attraction, retention, and development of high-performing program management professionals and foster a high-performance culture.
• Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and proactive problem solving within program teams.
• Use influence management and conflict resolution skills to align cross-functional teams around program and business objectives.
• Reinforce the organization’s mission, values, and culture through consistent leadership behaviors and decision-making.

• At least 15 years of relevant experience in program management, product development, defense, aerospace, or complex technical systems.
• Significant experience managing product development programs from proposal through design, development, production transition, and delivery.
• Advanced knowledge of program management tools, processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Strong experience with cost, schedule, and budget control, including manpower planning, project reviews, and executive-level program reporting.
• Proficiency with Earned Value Management, cost accounting, variance analysis, program metrics, productivity tracking, and financial forecasting.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex technical programs involving Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, Logistics, Quality, and Operations.
• Experience with proposal development, requirements decomposition, risk management, subcontract management, and statement of work development.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to influence teams without direct authority.
• Advanced problem-solving, presentation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage aerospace or defense programs as either a prime contractor or subcontractor supporting domestic or international customers.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another STEM-related field.
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Ability to hold or obtain an active Department of Defense security clearance.

• Graduate degree in Engineering, a STEM discipline, Finance, Business, or an MBA.
• PMP, DAU, or equivalent Program Management certification.
• Active Department of Defense security clearance.
• Experience managing programs governed by FAR/DFARS requirements.
• Experience with electro-optical, infrared, defense electronics, sensor systems, aerospace systems, or complex hardware development.
• Experience leading products through rapid prototyping and transition into production.
• Previous experience managing other Program Managers or leading a product line-level program portfolio.
• Strong understanding of cash flow management, inventory control, and product line financial performance.

This role is based onsite in Melbourne, FL and follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing a structured yet flexible work pattern. The position operates within a high-technology aerospace and defense environment focused on advanced electro-optical, infrared, and complex hardware systems. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Business Development, using established program management methodologies, tools, and processes. The work environment emphasizes rigorous program controls, including Earned Value Management, financial forecasting, and compliance with defense and government contracting requirements such as FAR/DFARS. The culture values accountability, ownership, collaboration, and proactive problem solving, and offers high visibility with regular interaction with executive leadership and external customers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Melbourne, FL.

The pay range for this position is $147000.00 - $200000.00/yr.

Competitive salary, 401(k) with company match, medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA contributions, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, generous PTO, wellness programs, and a flexible 9/80 schedule offering every other Friday off.

This is a fully onsite position in Melbourne,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $147,000 - $200,000