Program Manager III - Shipbuilding Subcontracts

Location: Vancouver, WA, United States Date Posted: Apr 16, 2026 Share Apply Now Save Job Saved 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: $ 156,830 - 196,000 POSITION SUMMARY The Shipbuilding Subcontractor Program Manager - New Construction & Sustainment is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of subcontracted work supporting the construction of new vessels from initial fabrication through delivery and sea trials, post-delivery support, warranty, and sustainment operations. This position ensures subcontractor activities are fully integrated with Vigor Marine Fabrication organizations. The role serves as the primary interface between the shipyard program organization and subcontractor organizations performing specialized ship construction work including structural fabrication, piping, electrical systems, propulsion and machinery installation, and systems integration (e.g. C5ISR suites). The Subcontractor Program Manager ensures subcontractor performance supports program cost, schedule, quality, and delivery objectives while maintaining alignment with shipyard construction sequencing and production flow. This role combines Subcontractor Program Management (SPM) and Subcontractor Administrator (SCA) roles into a single leadership position. Therefore, qualified candidates should have relevant shipyard experience with both subcontract contract administration (ordering and tracking material and service purchases) and management of subcontractors. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES (This list is not intended to detail all aspects of the assigned work but is representative of the job's overall responsibilities.) Subcontractor Program Leadership Manage subcontractor execution supporting new vessel construction from subcontract award through vessel delivery. Serve as the primary coordination point between subcontractors, shipyard program management, engineering, production, and supply chain organizations. Ensure subcontractors clearly understand contract scope, ship specifications, work package requirements, and shipyard operating procedures. Monitor, report on and develop corrective action plans for subcontractor performance against contract requirements, ship construction milestones, and program delivery schedules. Ship Construction Integration Integrate subcontractor work scopes into the shipyard's ship construction plan, including: Hull fabrication and structural assembly Block and module construction Pre-outfitting and advanced outfitting Shipboard installation and integration Coordinate subcontractor work with shipyard trades to ensure proper construction sequencing and efficient production flow. Support coordination of multi-trade work environments involving structural, pipe, electrical, HVAC, mechanical, and combat system installation activities Planning and Scheduling Coordination Coordinate with material planning, program planning and scheduling organizations to incorporate subcontractor activities into the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS). Ensure subcontract work packages support shipyard production milestones such as: Block erection Launch Dock trials Builder's trials Sea trials Vessel delivery Post Delivery, Warranty, Sustainment Monitor, and report on, subcontract schedule performance and support mitigation or recovery plans when performance risks are identified. Subcontract Administration Drafting, issuing, and administering subcontracts and purchase orders Ensuring compliance with regulations like Federal Acquisition Regulation and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement Managing terms & conditions, flow-down clauses, and modifications Handling invoices, funding, and payment coordination Maintaining procurement files for audit readiness (e.g., CPSR) Supporting source selection documentation and negotiations (from a contractual standpoint) Monitoring subcontractor compliance (certifications, reporting, small business goals, etc.) Engineering and Technical Coordination Ensure subcontractors receive current engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation required for execution. Coordinate implementation of engineering changes impacting subcontracted work. Support configuration control and ensure subcontractor work complies with approved technical baselines. Material and Supply Chain Coordination Coordinate with procurement and material management teams to ensure subcontractors have access to required contractor-furnished and government-furnished materials. Monitor material availability impacting subcontractor execution including major equipment, piping systems, electrical components, and shipboard hardware. Identify material shortages or delivery risks that may impact construction milestones. Cost and Contract Performance Monitor subcontract cost performance and support program financial oversight. Coordinate subcontract modifications, scope adjustments, and performance evaluations with procurement and contracts teams. Review subcontractor progress reports, milestone completions, and invoice documentation. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance Ensure subcontractor work complies with shipyard quality standards, regulatory requirements, and contract specifications. Coordinate inspections, testing, and acceptance activities supporting ship construction quality requirements. Support compliance with regulatory and oversight organizations including naval technical authorities when applicable. JOB SCOPE The role operates within general parameters, but must use sound judgment and independent decision making when carrying out job responsibilities. Has the ability to influence and recommend modifying existing protocols. The incumbent is held accountable for the overall guidance and consistency across projects to ensure profitable performance of the work is achieved. The incumbent has profit and loss responsibility for his/her projects as well as, a critical role in securing revenue for the Company. Failure to meet the expectations of the customer could result in significant loss of future business. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY The role supervises Project Manager, Project Engineer, Scheduler and Contracts Manager. He/she works closely with production management. The incumbent will lead a large matrix organization comprised of company personnel, partners, suppliers and consultants. At full production, program will comprise up to 200 professional and craft personnel. KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES Required Strong knowledge of shipyard new construction processes, including hull fabrication, block assembly, outfitting, and system installation. Understanding of ship construction sequencing and production flow in a multi-trade environment. Experience managing subcontractors performing specialized shipbuilding work scopes. Strong knowledge of procurement regulations (FAR/DFARS). Experience identifying relevant flow-downs of terms from prime to subcontractors. Experience negotiating contracts. Experience developing, issuing, managing closure of Subcontractor Corrective Action Reports (SCARs). Knowledge of Audit Compliance. Ability to coordinate complex activities across engineering, planning, production, procurement, and quality organizations. Knowledge of shipyard construction milestones including launch, dock trials, builder's trials, and delivery events. Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 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. 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 supporting U.S. Navy or commercial vessel new construction programs. Familiarity with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) or ship construction performance tracking. Experience working with Primavera P6, integrated shipyard scheduling systems, or production planning tools. Knowledge of module construction, advanced outfitting, and integrated product teams (IPTs) used in modern shipbuilding. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS: PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is conducted in a dynamic, fast-paced office setting with moderate to loud noise levels from production activity in the shipyard. The individual may be required to be in production areas in yard and onboard ships. He/she must be able to walk to and from job sites. The person must be able to climb inclined stairways and vertical ladders and may be required to lift up to 20 pounds. He/she may be required to work more than 8-hour shifts and weekend work. There may be local travel and out-of-town travel (including air travel) up to 30% of the time with notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: While in production areas, will be exposed to all weather conditions, noise, dusts and odors. Reasonable accommodations 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 accommodations 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. Share Apply Now