Principal Program Manager

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in lasers and precision optics. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Job Details

This role is responsible for leading integrated program teams (IPTs) through the lifecycle of tech-tech laser development programs. The Principal Program Manager will coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to guide a program from initial bid to the customer through completion. The program manager is the quarterback of the integrated program team and ensures all functional roles are working together effectively towards the program goals. A successful candidate will have deep experience managing cost, schedule, and system performance to ensure customer and business outcomes are met. This role also requires managing the Product Requirements Document (PRD), the Statement of Work (SOW), the Bill of Materials (BOM), refining and managing program specifications with the support of the engineering team, owning the integrated master schedule (IMS), defining the work breakdown structure (WBS), and making cost estimations throughout the program’s life. The Principal Program Manager will work with customers on a recurring basis to provide updates on program performance. The Princpal Program Manager will also mentor and manage less experienced Program Managers as they manage programs, setting the standards for program management quality and processes for a small group.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost, schedule, and system performance for assigned programs. Develop strong tools for measuring program progress to effectively report progress to external and internal stakeholders and to enable effective decision making.
• Synchronize efforts of engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure program outcomes are met. Ensure program team understands and adheres to the contract scope.
• Develop a strong working relationship with customers and guide programs to exceed customer expectations.
• Cultivate customer and stakeholder relationships to further business opportunities.
• Problem solve and overcome challenges when programs encounter unexpected problems.
• Have or develop a working technical knowledge of the technology being managed to support the development and tracking of progress against the program WBS and to support customer interactions.
• Manage the performance of less experienced Program Managers, setting the standards for program management quality and processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng or a related technical field
• 10-12 years of experience working in a program management role or combined education and work experience
• 5 years managerial/leadership experience
• 5 years working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor
• 5 years experience managing dynamic, challenging technical programs
• Ability to receive a SECRET security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing laser or other optical systems development programs
• Experience managing Earned Value Programs
• Master’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng or a related technical field
• 8-10 years of experience working in a program management role
• 7 years managerial/leadership experience
• 10 years working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.