Program Manager III - Shipbuilding Subcontracts

Description

Who We Are

Founded in 1995, Vigor Marine Group is an established, innovative and integrated partner with a national footprint in the marine maintenance and modernization, marine fabrication and marine services. Evolving over decades from a collection of the best-in-class companies with unique and complementary capabilities on the East and West coasts, our spirit of innovation and legacy of performance make Vigor Marine Group a preferred, full-service prime contractor in the defense and maritime sectors. Today we offer advanced services and complete solutions for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Military Sealift Command, state ferry systems, the cruise industry, the commercial fishing industry and more.

With four shipyards for maintenance and modernization and one for fabrication, including the largest floating dry dock in the western hemisphere, our more than 2,000 dedicated employees across four states – from the Pacific Northwest to San Diego to Norfolk – personify the values of our company. Vigor Marine Group takes pride in being the employer of choice for our employees, who in turn take great pride in their contributions to the communities where they live and work, and to their nation – through their living wage jobs supporting their local economies, and through the word-class maritime and industrial services they provide to further our defense readiness and national security.

Where we are – Marine Fabrication

Vancouver, Washington is surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains and is a top destination for outdoor lovers. It has a mild climate with four seasons. Its mild winters and warm summers make it an attractive city in the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver is more affordable city than its neighbors, Portland and Seattle and has no state income tax. It is a vibrant city full of restaurants, shops and parks, and is known for its walkability, historic charm and family friendly neighborhoods. Vancouver has garnered many awards including Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025 and 2023” and Niche’s 2025 rankings include Vancouver on several lists including Best City for Outdoor Activities, a Healthiest Place to Live in America and several others. Healthcare is the city’s largest employer, followed by manufacturing and technology.

PAY RANGE: $160,000 – 196,000  

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Shipbuilding Subcontractor Program Manager oversees planning, coordination, and execution of all subcontracted work supporting new‑construction vessels—from initial fabrication through delivery, sea trials, post‑delivery support, warranty, and sustainment. The role ensures subcontractor activities align with Vigor Marine Fabrication operations and overall production flow.

Serving as the primary interface between shipyard program teams and subcontractors performing specialized work (structural, piping, electrical, propulsion, machinery, and systems integration), this position is accountable for subcontractor performance across cost, schedule, quality, and delivery.

This role combines Subcontractor Program Management and Subcontractor Administration, requiring candidates with shipyard experience in both subcontract oversight and contract administration (material and service procurement tracking).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Subcontractor Program Leadership

• Lead subcontractor execution from award through vessel delivery. Serve as the main liaison between subcontractors and shipyard teams, ensuring clarity of scope, alignment with ship specifications, and performance against cost, schedule, and quality goals.

Ship Construction Integration

• Integrate subcontractor work into the ship construction plan, coordinating fabrication, module construction, outfitting, and shipboard installation. Ensure smooth multi‑trade sequencing with structural, pipe, electrical, mechanical, and systems integration teams.

Planning and Scheduling Coordination

• Align subcontractor activities with the Integrated Master Schedule and key production milestones (block erection, launch, trials, delivery, sustainment). Track schedule performance and support mitigation plans when risks arise.

Subcontract Administration

• Draft, issue, and manage subcontracts and purchase orders; ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and flow‑down requirements; handle modifications, invoices, funding, audit‑ready documentation, and supplier compliance.

Engineering and Technical Coordination

• Provide subcontractors with current drawings and specifications, coordinate engineering changes, and maintain configuration control and adherence to technical baselines.

Material and Supply Chain Coordination

• Ensure subcontractors receive required materials and equipment, monitor material availability, and identify risks that could impact construction milestones.

Cost and Contract Performance

• Monitor subcontract cost performance, manage scope adjustments and modifications, review progress reports, validate milestones, and support financial oversight.

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure subcontractor work meets shipyard quality standards, regulatory requirements, and contract specifications. Coordinate inspections, testing, acceptance, and compliance with oversight authorities.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

Required:

• Either a bachelor’s degree in engineering, marine engineering, naval architecture, program management, or related field, or equivalent professional experience in Shipbuilding Program Management and an associate’s degree.
• Strong knowledge of shipyard new‑construction processes (fabrication, block assembly, outfitting, system installation).
• Understanding of ship construction sequencing and multi‑trade production flow.
  Experience managing subcontractors performing specialized shipbuilding work.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and subcontract flow‑down requirements.
• Proven contract negotiation and subcontract administration experience.
• Ability to manage SCARs and support audit/compliance activities.
• Effective coordination across engineering, planning, production, procurement, and quality.
• Familiarity with shipyard milestones (launch, trials, delivery).
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• 15 years of experience in shipbuilding, marine construction, or large-scale industrial manufacturing programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing subcontractors or suppliers supporting complex construction    projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with U.S. Navy or commercial vessel new‑construction programs.
• Familiarity with EVMS or ship construction performance tracking.
• Experience with Primavera P6, shipyard scheduling tools, or production planning systems.
• Knowledge of module construction, advanced outfitting, and IPTs used in modern shipbuilding.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CITIZENSHIP: Pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires US citizenship. 

Vigor Industrial LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries are drug, smoke and vape-free workplaces. Prospective employees must pass a drug and alcohol test and background check as pre-employment screening. 

Vigor Values 

Vigor expects all employees to enhance the atmosphere in which they work by living the Vigor Values every day.

Truth: We seek the truth, and we speak the truth
Responsibility: We act on what we know is right
Evolution: We seek mastery, and adapt to a changing world
Love: We care about the people we work with, and the world we live in

At Vigor we offer a generous benefits package that includes: 

Medical

RX

Dental

Vision

Life

AD&D

LTD

STD

EAP

Discretionary bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

FSA (Medical, Childcare, Transportation)

10 paid holidays

PTO

401(k)

Vigor and its wholly owned subsidiaries are committed to inclusion and diversity by providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veterans, age, genetics, the presence of a physical or mental condition or disability that can be reasonably accommodated, or any other protected class under relevant laws in the locations we operate. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and can be requested with Vigor’s Human Resources Department.

In addition to federal law requirements, Vigor complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination and non-retaliation in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.