Program Manager Aerostat C5ISR

Program Manager Aerostat C5ISR

General Description: 

Advanced Technology Systems Company in Gilbert, AZ is looking for an experienced Program Manager. The Aerostat C5ISR Program Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for end-to-end delivery of Aerostat-based Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) programs. This role is responsible for planning, executing, and controlling all phases of the Aerostat system life cycle — from pursuit/capture, initiation, requirements definition and system integration through field deployment, sustainment, and customer support — ensuring mission success, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will be responsible for actively deploying, monitoring, and executing programmatic controls on various contracts. The Program Manager will work with internal cross-functional matrixed teams from various disciplines including Engineering, Production, Quality, Field Services, Supply Chain, Business Development, Finance and Contracts. The role involves extensive interface with Government Agencies, Customers (CONUS and OCONUS), partners, and suppliers. 

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead full program lifecycle execution for Aerostat C5ISR systems, including pursuit/capture, initiation, planning, development, integration, test, deployment, sustainment, and close-out.  
• Establish program goals, technical objectives, performance metrics, and key performance indicators (KPI) to track progress and risk.
• Oversee cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and risk management to maintain contract compliance and profitability.  
• Execute Program Financial Management like Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and other industry-standard program controls.

Technical & Systems Integration

• Coordinate engineering and operational efforts to integrate Aerostat platforms with C5ISR sensors (e.g., radar, EO/IR), communications, ground control stations, and network operations.
• Ensure that system architecture and technical designs meet operational requirements and interface effectively with broader defense networks.
• Work with engineering, test, operational and deployment teams to resolve technical issues, validate performance, build and deploy systems.

Risk Management:

• Develop and implement risk management frameworks to monitor and control program cost, schedule, technical, and performance risks.
• Maintain program risk registers and execute mitigation plans in collaboration with internal execution and customer-facing teams.
• Report program risk posture and mitigation status to executive leadership and customers.
• Ensure risk awareness and accountability is embedded across the program team.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact with government customers/stakeholders, and industry partners.  
• Lead program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and status briefings for senior leadership and customers.
• Translate customer requirements into actionable program plans and deliverables.

Contract, Program Finance & Resource Management

• Develop, negotiate, and administer contract deliverables, statements of work (SOW), schedules, budgets, resource allocations, and subcontractor agreements.  
• Own P&L responsibility for the program(s), driving financial performance against revenue, margin, cash, and growth goals.
• Monitor and report on financial performance including budgets and forecasts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with business development and capture teams to lead/support proposal development, future funding strategy, and growth opportunities.  
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, logistics, training, and field support to ensure cohesive program execution. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, business, or program management (Master’s degree or PMP preferred).
• 7 years of experience formally managing programs as a Program Manager 
• 5 years working in Engineering and/or Operations
• Prior experience working with the U.S. and International Government Customers in Aerospace & Defense markets.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams in a matrixed environment.
• Hands-on experience implementing program risk management frameworks.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with or with the ability to obtain a government security clearance.

Desired Skills & Competencies:

• Prior experience with Aerostats and related C5ISR systems for Border/Homeland Security and Military customers.
• Background involving U. S. Government and International (Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales) contracts.
• Knowledge of Government acquisition lifecycle, contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, IDIQ).

• Ability to create, implement, and/or modify programmatic processes.
• Experience with Aerostats and payloads/ground support equipment including tactical radios, EO/IR systems, Radar systems, networking, and/or computing platforms/servers.
• Experience with customer and government audits.
• Understanding of ERP systems.
• Knowledge of compliance with contractual, regulatory, and corporate requirements, including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and Homeland Security Acquisition Regulations (HSAR).
• Self-starter with a sense of urgency.
• Strategic program leadership history of balancing program delivery with financial and risk performance.
• Ability to manage risk in complex, multi-agency customer environments.
• Strong program risk management mindset with proven mitigation strategies.
• Effective coordination skills with internal execution teams, cross-functional organizations, suppliers, subcontractors and partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Commitment to compliance, mission assurance, and ethical conduct.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is typically performed in an office setting.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, bend, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs, talk, hear and see.
• Must have the ability to lift 15-25 pounds.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English.

ATSC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite resumes from all interested parties including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Advance Technology Systems Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.