Senior Program Manager
Voyager Defense & National Security is seeking a highly skilled Senior Program Manager to lead large, complex aerospace programs spanning design, development, and production phases. This role will be responsible for the successful execution of high-value programs across DoD, NASA, and commercial missions, ensuring alignment with rigorous technical, contractual, and operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cross-functional execution of major aerospace programs, including design, development, qualification, and full-rate production.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external customers including Prime contractors, providing clear, confident communication and building trusted relationships.
- Apply deep knowledge of NASA and DoD acquisition rigor to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
- Manage cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk across the program lifecycle using disciplined project management practices and tools.
- Translate complex engineering concepts into actionable business strategies and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Drive proposal efforts, including cost-volume development and negotiation strategy, for new business and contract modifications.
- Oversee subcontractor performance and flowdown of requirements, ensuring integration with program objectives and timely delivery of critical components.
- Facilitate program reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, MRR, etc.) and drive successful completion of lifecycle gate milestones.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and mission assurance to drive execution and resolve issues proactively.
- Mentor junior program managers and contribute to the development of Voyager's program management discipline and best practices.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, or related technical discipline; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
- 15+ years of experience in aerospace or defense, including 10+ years of program management experience leading complex development and production efforts.
- Demonstrated success managing large programs ($25M+) across NASA, DoD, and/or commercial space mission areas.
- Strong engineering literacy—able to evaluate technical issues, contribute to design reviews, and challenge engineering trade studies.
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, make informed decisions under pressure, and drive outcomes across internal and external stakeholders.
- Deep understanding of government contracting principles, including FFP, CPFF, and IDIQ vehicles, and experience managing major subcontracts.
- Strong business acumen with proven ability to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and contract objectives.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong executive presence.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (requires U.S. Citizenship)
- Ability to travel in performance of job duties (10-20%).
Desired Traits
- PMP certification or equivalent preferred.
- Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results.
- High integrity leader who inspires confidence and accountability.
- Commercial mindset with a strong understanding of how to balance innovation, cost, and risk.
- Adaptable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- Experience with modern ERP, MRP, PLM, MES and QMS enterprise systems.
Salary Range: $175,000 - $250,000/year
Voyager offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you're not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran