Sr. Program Manager

Who We Are:

IPS Custom Automation is a leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions for the defense and energetics industries. We specialize in the design, engineering, and integration of turnkey production lines for energetics materials and munitions. Our solutions serve government agencies, military contractors, and defense OEMs worldwide.

Who We’re Seeking:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex programs within the energetics portfolio and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

What You’ll Do: You’ll also be responsible for:

• Lead Program Operations from contract award through closeout, ensuring performance across cost, schedule, technical and quality objectives.
• Oversee the planning across subsystems and functions that feed financial systems and the Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
• Manage subcontractor performance, ensuring delivery of required data and attainment of technical milestones.
• Oversee program Estimate At Completion (EAC) development and accuracy in coordination with team leads and provide monthly forecasting outputs for executive review.
• Drive accountability for program performance metrics through formal reviews, risk analysis, and mitigation planning.
• Lead new business captures and proposals within the defense portfolio.
• Partner with leadership on budgeting, resource planning, and contract profitability tracking.
• Lead and support Program Management Reviews and other contractual engagements.
• Support digital integration of program and operations data for improved insight, responsiveness, and audit readiness.
• Mentor and develop program managers, project leads, and functional contributors with a focus on execution rigor and compliance-first culture.
• Performs other job duties as assigned and deemed appropriate by management.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a quantitative or business discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in program management.
• 3+ years of experience in the U.S. defense industry.
• Experience in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines.
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with engineering and manufacturing teams to assess progress and forecast effort required to complete program activities.
• Demonstrated financial acumen to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible.
• Requires ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to dynamic situations.
• Requires ability to execute, coordination of all elements of a program, i.e., Program integration management. Perform task coordination, resource development, stakeholder identification, etc. Capability to manage program lifecycle conflicts, prioritize competing priorities/requests, and evaluate available resources.
• Requires ability to identify, assess, and control financial, technical, and legal risks.
• Experience with the evaluation of requests for proposals and/or quotes. Experience with preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals and/or quotes.
• Proficient leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, and holding people accountable.
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Requirements (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 (QMS) and process improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint and Project).
• Ability to travel within the US as required (approximately 30%).
• Authorized to work in the US.
• Able to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

What We Provide:

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience) and performance-based incentives.
• Generous employer contribution to the Employee portion of medical insurance (75+%).
• Dental, Vision, and Gap insurance offered.
• Employer-paid Life insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• 401(k) employer match and immediately vested.
• Generous paid time off policy.

IPS Custom Automation is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

 The information listed above is not a comprehensive list of all duties/responsibilities performed. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Any physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.