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Program Manager

Last Updated: 04/09/2026

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Program Manager role in Huntsville, AL leading full hardware development lifecycle programs. Ideal for candidates with DoD experience and cross-functional leadership in engineering and manufacturing.

We are seeking a top-notch Program Manager to lead complex programs across the full
hardware development lifecycle—from concept and requirements definition through design,
build, integration, test, and production. The ideal candidate will be a strong cross-functional
leader with proven experience delivering hardware systems in a structured, milestone-driven
environment. This role requires the ability to manage technical teams, program budgets, and
customer expectations to achieve successful, on-time, and cost-effective program outcomes.
This is an on-site position.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related discipline, or 5–8 years of
    progressively responsible program management experience
  • 5–8 years of Program Management experience leading programs across the full hardware
    development lifecycle (requirements, design, build, integration, test, and production), preferably
    in a design/build or manufacturing environment
  • Experience managing programs using structured phase-gate or milestone-based development
    processes (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, test readiness, production readiness)
  • Experience managing program/project budgets from initial estimates during capture/proposal
    phases through cost tracking and reporting, while coordinating cross-functional teams
  • Strong leadership skills with experience guiding cross-functional teams including engineering,
    manufacturing, supply chain, and test
  • Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interface with
    internal teams, customers, and executive leadership
  • Experience with DoD acquisition policies and practices and ability to communicate effectively
    with military personnel and organizations
  • Experience with U.S. Government contracts, including Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursable
    contract types
  • Proficiency with MS Project and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Working knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements management,
    verification/validation, and configuration management
  • Familiarity with business and financial management principles preferred
  • Willingness to travel up to 25%
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (active clearance preferred)
  • Knowledge of firing range operations preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

  • Lead end-to-end program execution across the full hardware development lifecycle, from
    concept and requirements definition through design, build, integration, test, and production
    deployment
  • Manage both development and production phases, ensuring seamless transition from
    engineering to manufacturing and sustainment
  • Drive program execution using structured schedules, phase-gate reviews, and milestone
    tracking aligned to technical and production readiness
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality,
    and test to achieve program objectives
  • Define and manage program scope, schedules, cost baselines, and performance metrics,
    including development of integrated master schedules and cost control tools
  • Monitor program and technical performance against key milestones, including design reviews,
    test events, and production readiness
  • Manage stakeholder expectations, including customers, executive leadership, and external
    partners
  • Identify, track, and mitigate program risks across both development and production phases;
    maintain risk registers and lead risk review meetings
  • Manage program budgets and prepare cost status reports, including forecasting and variance
    analysis
  • Lead proposal development efforts within assigned programs, including coordination of Bills of
    Material (BOM), labor estimates, ODCs, pricing, and risk assessments
  • Ensure alignment between technical execution and contractual requirements, including
    compliance with DoD acquisition standards
  • Ensure compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
  • Make recommendations for equipment, services, and resources required to meet program
    objectives
  • Review team deliverables for alignment with organizational goals and program requirements
  • Report program status, risks, and issues to senior leadership
  • Maintain awareness of industry trends, regulations, and advancements relevant to company
    products and programs
  • Develop familiarity with company products, system architectures, and capabilities
  • Represent the company at defense trade shows and industry events
  • Perform other duties as assigned
    Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience delivering hardware systems in defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated
    environments
  • Experience transitioning products from development into production (e.g., NPI, LRIP, FRP)

To submit your resume for consideration email Kristina@hrecruit.co with your resume and position title you would like to discuss

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