Senior Program Manager

Desired Start Date: 2 weeks prior to award, or no later than 2 weeks after award

Location: Oklahoma City, OK 

Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Security Clearance required at time of employment

Travel Requirement: Up to 25–35% domestic and international travel

Position Summary

Fairwinds Technologies is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead a major airborne communications modernization program. This role requires a proven leader with deep expertise in avionics integration, military aircraft modernization, systems engineering, and defense program execution.

The successful candidate will be responsible for directing all aspects of program performance, including technical execution, cost, schedule, risk management, customer engagement, and delivery of mission-critical capabilities. The position requires strong leadership of multidisciplinary engineering and operational teams supporting aircraft modification, systems integration, testing, certification, cybersecurity compliance, logistics, and sustainment activities.

This is a supervisory position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of program execution and serve as the primary authority for cost, schedule, technical, contractual, and operational performance.
• Develop program strategies, priorities, execution plans, and performance objectives.
• Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), subcontractors, and partner organizations to achieve program goals.
• Ensure successful delivery of aircraft modifications and associated systems in accordance with contractual and customer requirements.

• Direct integration of avionics, communications, mission systems, software, and hardware into existing aircraft platforms.
• Provide leadership for systems engineering activities, requirements management, verification, validation, and technical reviews.
• Oversee aircraft modification efforts, system interoperability, and technical performance throughout the program lifecycle.
• Support airworthiness certification, flight release, ground testing, and flight test activities.

• Monitor program performance using established management processes, metrics, and Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
• Lead program risk identification, mitigation planning, issue resolution, and recovery actions.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, configuration management, and government acquisition requirements.
• Maintain alignment between technical execution, contractual commitments, and customer expectations.

• Serve as the senior interface with government, industry, and international stakeholders.
• Lead program reviews, customer briefings, and executive presentations.
• Communicate program status, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Foster strong relationships with customers, partners, and cross-functional teams.

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in a complex defense environment.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and mission success.
• Support staff development and leadership growth across the program organization.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Avionics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• PMP and/or DAWIA certification, preferred.

Experience

• 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, military aviation, or aircraft modernization programs.
• 10+ years leading complex avionics, aircraft integration, or defense acquisition programs.
• Demonstrated success managing aircraft integration efforts from design through testing, certification, and delivery.
• Experience leading large engineering and systems integration teams supporting government customers valued $35M+.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and project scheduling tools.
• Strong understanding of avionics systems, aircraft integration, systems engineering, flight testing, certification, and defense acquisition processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and customer relationship management skills.
• Experience with AWACS, ISR, C2, airborne communications, or large aircraft mission systems.

Compensation - Salary

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full time, exempt position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: 

Must be eligible to work in the US. Must hold an Active DoD Secret Clearance

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity