Principal, Program Manager

About the role
The company is committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes recruitment and development of high-performing talent dedicated to customer missions and professional growth. The company emphasizes an inclusive and engaging work environment that encourages work-life success and is rooted in strong values, community dedication, and a commitment to excellence. As a leader in defense technology, the company delivers comprehensive technology solutions that connect various domains crucial for national security, always with the customers' mission-critical needs at the forefront.

Job Description
The Principal Program Manager will primarily oversee the execution of international Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (cUAS) programs. The initial focus will be on Middle East customers and strategic growth initiatives. Responsibilities include managing overall program execution, customer satisfaction, financial performance, schedule adherence, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration across various departments including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, and Business Development. This role demands the capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while engaging with international customers, government stakeholders, and strategic partners.

Essential Functions:

• Lead execution of international cUAS programs from contract award through delivery, fielding, and sustainment.
• Act as the primary customer interface for defense clients in the Middle East and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), cost forecasts, risk registers, and program execution plans.
• Manage program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance to meet contractual commitments and financial objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Test, and Field Operations.
• Drive risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution throughout the program lifecycle.
• Support customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, training events, and fielding activities.
• Lead program reviews, executive briefings, customer status meetings, and milestone reviews.
• Monitor subcontractor and supplier performance to ensure adherence to delivery commitments.
• Aid in proposal development, capture activities, Basis of Estimate (BOE) development, and transition from capture to execution.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, export regulations, security requirements, and company policies.
• Support strategic growth initiatives and expand international cUAS capabilities and product offerings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience with a Bachelor's Degree or a Graduate Degree with at least 10 years of experience. Alternatively, a minimum of 16 years of prior related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Fluency in Arabic and English (verbal and written).
• Minimum 10 years of program management experience in defense, aerospace, or national security programs.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing complex hardware and software development and production programs.
• Minimum 10 years executing programs for international clients, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS).
• Minimum 10 years managing programs involving integrated weapon systems, mission systems, sensors, communications, or air defense technologies.
• Minimum 10 years of simultaneous management of cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer relationships.
• Experience working with Middle East customers, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or other GCC nations.
• Willingness to travel internationally and support client engagements in the Middle East.
• Capability to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• PMP certification.
• Experience with Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (cUAS), Air and Missile Defense, Integrated Air Defense Systems, or tactical mission systems.
• Familiarity with defense acquisition processes, export compliance, ITAR, and international contracting.
• Experience transitioning products from development through production and sustainment.

Desired Leadership Attributes:

• Strong ownership mentality and proactive execution focus.
• Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight.
• Effective collaboration skills across engineering, operations, and business functions.
• Comfort in engaging with executive leadership and international customers.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity and swiftly changing priorities.
• Results-oriented leadership committed to fulfilling customer obligations while pursuing profitable growth.