Senior Program Manager – Defense Programs

Senior Program ManagerLocation: Franklin, MA 02038Employment Type: Hybrid, Direct HireSalary Range: $100,000 - $200,000+ (flexibility based on experience)Must be a US citizen or green card holder because this client deals with government contractsPosition SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex defense and commercial programs supporting advanced mission systems and emerging technologies. This hybrid role, based in the Greater Boston area, will oversee production-focused programs spanning maritime, ground, and other operational environments.The Senior Program Manager is responsible for successful program execution throughout the entire lifecycle—from proposal support and contract award through development, production, delivery, and sustainment. This individual serves as the primary customer interface and is accountable for technical performance, cost, schedule, risk management, and contractual compliance while leading cross-functional teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments.The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity and has a proven ability to establish structure, drive execution, and deliver results in organizations where processes and program management infrastructure may still be evolving. Success in this role requires strong leadership, sound business judgment, customer focus, and a bias toward action.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as the primary customer interface and lead all program execution activities related to technical performance, cost, schedule, risk, and contractual commitments.Lead program reviews, customer meetings, and executive briefings to communicate program status, risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies.Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, including Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), budgets, resource plans, and execution strategies aligned with contractual requirements and business objectives.Manage program financial performance, including forecasting, Estimate to Complete (ETC), Estimate at Completion (EAC), revenue planning, and budget-to-actual performance reporting.Establish and implement program management processes, governance frameworks, and operating rhythms to ensure successful execution.Manage customer expectations, contractual scope, and requirements while maintaining schedule, cost, and technical performance objectives.Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and opportunities throughout the program lifecycle.Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, contracts, finance, and manufacturing.Monitor subcontractor and supplier performance to ensure program commitments are achieved.Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and effective communication across all stakeholders.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Business, or a related field.Minimum of seven (7) years of program management, project management, or technical leadership experience supporting Department of Defense customers on hardware development, production, or delivery programs.Demonstrated success managing programs with complex technical, schedule, cost, and customer requirements.Experience leading highly technical, cross-functional teams in fast-paced and evolving environments.Strong organizational, planning, prioritization, and execution skills with the ability to create structure and clarity in ambiguous situations.Self-motivated leader with experience developing processes, systems, and execution frameworks in growing organizations.Hands-on experience developing and maintaining Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and resource-loaded schedules.Experience managing program financials, including budgeting, forecasting, ETC, EAC, and financial performance analysis.Strong customer-facing skills with demonstrated success managing expectations while controlling scope, schedule, and costs.Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.Preferred Qualifications12+ years of defense program management and leadership experience.Experience managing production, manufacturing, or hardware delivery programs.Experience operating within a formal Earned Value Management System (EVMS).Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.Familiarity with Agile methodologies and hybrid program execution approaches.Active U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.Experience supporting maritime, ground systems, autonomous systems, sensors, communications, or other advanced defense technologies.Why This Opportunity?This is a unique opportunity to join a growing organization developing advanced technologies for critical defense and commercial applications. The role offers significant visibility, customer interaction, and ownership while providing the opportunity to build program management structure and directly influence organizational success.