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 Planner/Scheduler who is responsible for coordinating with engineering and operations teams to decompose scope and develop the program’s schedule baseline.  In this role you will also work with Business Development on proposals to capture new business.  This position will work within a team environment consisting of program management, technical, production, financial and other supporting staff.  This is a career building role that provides exposure to contract management, production operations, risk and opportunity management and program management practices.

The ideal candidate will have strong teambuilding skills, exhibit strong collaboration/interpersonal skills, and possess comprehensive verbal and written communication/presentation skills

What You’ll Do: 

• Apply knowledge of product development planning to establish and control the program schedule baseline; coordinate with multifunctional teams to update status for management decision making on complex development and production programs and proposals.
• Coordinate with business management and project management staff to develop an integrated program measurement baseline to manage cost, schedule and technical performance of the program
• Use project scheduling software to plan and gauge progress against the plan.  Identifies performance variances to facilitate focus and intervention on critical areas with the technical (engineering and operations) leads. Works with the program team to develop courses of action and risk mitigation strategies to address performance issues.
• Perform thorough project analysis through metrics reviews and predictive analysis to enhance cost, schedule and technical performance.
• Perform Schedule risk analyses and work with the program manager to resolve risky schedules, critical path issues and network logic conflicts
• Performs other job duties as assigned and deemed appropriate by management.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years professional related experience -OR - a Master's degree with 3 years of professional related experience.
• Will consider 9 years of applied experience in lieu of degree requirement.
• Program scheduling experience using Microsoft Project or other related scheduling tool.
• Experience using MS Office Suite, specifically Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to travel domestically 10% of the time.
• US Citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Management, Industrial Engineering, Finance, Operations Management, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field
• 3 years of program scheduling experience Microsoft Project
• Experience with Schedule Analytics and Schedule Risk Assessment tools.
• Working knowledge of EVMS guidelines and processes.

Demonstrated Who You Are:

• Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR)

• Experience with multiple tasks with competing priorities

• Demonstrated sense of urgency, self-motivated

• Experience and understanding of Planning / Schedule best practices and tools

• Use of Critical Path methodologies, Use of 14-point DCMA evaluation criteria

• Excellent business acumen and ability to make business-based decisions

• Procurement experience within engineering technologies or similar industry

• Ability to engage senior executives as necessary to resolve issues

• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint and Project).

 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.

• Career Growth opportunities

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.

The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.  IPS Custom Automation considers many factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function, responsibilities, and a candidate's work experience, skill level, education/training, and location. 

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

We are seeking a Contracts Administrator who is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts and subcontracts in support of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs. This role ensures compliance with federal regulations, company policies, and customer requirements while supporting proposal development, negotiations, contract execution.

Position Requirements: 

Contracts Administration

• Ability to comprehend financial and business concepts. Handle multiple assignments while achieving program commitments. Experience with proposal preparation; coordinating and participating in management reviews; proposal submission; fact finding; contract negotiations, award and execution.
• Manage the formation, negotiation, execution, and closure of prime contracts and sub-to-prime contracts for defense programs.
• Review and interpret terms and conditions, ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and company policies.
• Draft, modify, and administer NDAs, teaming agreements, contract modifications, and other contractual documents.
• Advising leadership and program management of contractual rights, obligations, and risks.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual communication with customers and government agencies.

Proposal Support

• Experience with subcontract bid cost and price analysis per FAR/DFARS guidelines.
• Support proposal development teams by preparing cost/price volumes, contract risk assessments, and compliance matrices.
• Review RFP/RFQ requirements, identify risks, and provide guidance to capture and program managers.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Support compliance with federal regulations, export controls (ITAR/EAR), cybersecurity requirements (e.g., NIST SP 800-171, CMMC), and flow-down clauses.
• Identify contractual risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Prepare for and support internal/external audits (DCMA, DCAA, customer audits).

Financial & Program Coordination

• Coordinate with finance, supply chain, program management, and legal teams on contract performance, change management, invoicing, funding, and billing.
• Track contract value, funding levels, deliverables, and period of performance.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in contracts or subcontracts administration, preferably in the defense or aerospace sector; experience with DoD programs, classified contracts, or major defense primes
• Experience negotiating and administering FAR/DFARS contracts, and government contracting practices
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience with fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, and T&M contract types
• Ability to develop internal and external relationships; must possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be detail oriented and able to work in a virtual team environment; Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment
• Authorized to work in the US
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Finance, Law, Logistics, or related field
• Authorized to work in the US and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

IPS Compensation Includes:

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
• Generous employer contribution to 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 immediate vesting
• 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.

Who We’re Seeking

IPS is seeking a Principal Controls Engineer to serve as the senior technical authority, system architect, and risk owner across complex custom automation programs. This role requires deep handson expertise across electrical, controls, robotics, safety, and system integration, combined with strong decisionmaking authority and leadership presence. Salary range: $150,000–$190,000

The Principal Controls Engineer is accountable for greenfield system architecture, technical risk management, and final technical approval of delivered automation systems.

Principal Controls  Engineers at IPS set engineering direction, define best practices, lead complex defenseindustry automation projects, and ensure that all delivered systems meet the highest levels of performance, safety, reliability, and security.

What You’ll Do

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP AND ARCHITECTURE

·       Define endtoend automation architectures for greenfield and brownfield systems, including PLC structure, motion control, robotics, safety systems, SCADA strategy, and industrial networks.

·       Establish control philosophies, system partitioning, and interface strategies before detailed design begins.

·       Create, maintain, and enforce engineering standards, reusable libraries, and design methodologies across programs.

·       Serve as the highestlevel technical escalation point for complex system behavior and integration challenges.

SYSTEM OWNERSHIP, RISK, AND GOVERNANCE

·       Own systemlevel technical risk from concept through commissioning and production handoff.

·       Lead formal technical risk assessments during early design phases.

·       Identify and mitigate singlepoint failures, unsafe states, and integration risks across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software domains.

·       Lead and approve FMEA, PFMEA, hazard analyses, and safety architecture decisions.

·       Define fault handling, degraded operation, and recovery strategies for critical systems.

·       Serve as final technical authority to approve or reject designs based on safety, reliability, or system risk.

ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE LEADERSHIP

·       Demonstrate mastery of power distribution, grounding, bonding, and control power strategies.

·       Review and approve control panel architectures, MCC integration, and power protection schemes.

·       Evaluate electrical safety considerations including arcflash, shortcircuit risk, and fault protection.

·       Ensure electrical designs support system reliability, maintainability, and efficient commissioning.

ADVANCED CONTROLS AND COMMISSIONING

·       Architect highly complex PLC, safety, and motion applications for largescale turnkey systems.

·       Lead or oversee multimachine and fullfacility commissioning efforts.

·       Define commissioning strategies, startup sequencing, and system acceptance criteria.

·       Serve as escalation authority during startup and authorize system readiness for customer acceptance.

MENTORSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

·       Mentor senior and junior engineers through design reviews, code reviews, and technical coaching.

·       Guide development of future technical leaders and controls subjectmatter experts.

·       Act as technical liaison with customers, defense partners, and internal leadership.

REGULATORY AND CYBERSECURITY OVERSIGHT

·       Ensure all systems comply with UL, NFPA, ISO 13849, and applicable customer safety requirements.

·       Guide compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements for industrial control systems.

·       Define and validate secure network segmentation, access control, and system hardening strategies.

ORGANIZATIONAL AUTHORITY

·       Empowered to halt, redirect, or rescope engineering work when technical risk, safety, or system integrity is compromised.

Who You Are (Requirements)

·       15+ years of experience in automation, with leadership on largescale custom systems.

·       Deep, authoritative expertise in PLCs, motion control, robotics, industrial networks, and safety systems.

·       Mastery of AutoCAD Electrical and full control system architecture.

·       Experienced technical mentor with history of growing engineering talent.

·       Ability to lead multiple complex automation projects simultaneously.

·       Strong customerfacing communication and leadership presence.

·       Experience in defense, energetics, or governmentfunded systems strongly preferred.

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.

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

Who We’re Seeking

IPS is seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer capable of independently executing fulllifecycle automation projects—from concept through commissioning. This role requires strong technical proficiency, the ability to work autonomously without guidance, and the skills to own project deliverables while collaborating with crossfunctional teams. Salary Range: $110,000–$165,000

Senior Engineers at IPS are expected to serve as subject-matter experts in PLC programming, motion systems, control panel design, and automated system troubleshooting.

What You’ll Do

• Independently develop, program, test, and debug complex AllenBradley PLC and HMI applications in Studio 5000.
• Lead onsite commissioning activities and resolve highcomplexity system issues.
• Design and document complete control panel systems, including power distribution, safety circuits, and network layouts.
• Size and specify motors, drives, sensors, actuators, and other automation components.
• Integrate and optimize robotic systems (Fanuc/ABB/KUKA) including path teaching and cycletime optimization.
• Collaborate with vendors, subcontractors, and internal engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with UL 508A, NFPA 79, ISO 13849, and applicable DoD requirements.
• Provide technical guidance on SCADA interfaces and data systems (experience preferred but not required).

·        Responsible for controls architecture decisions on new production lines with minimal legacy constraints.

Who You Are (Requirements)

• 5–10 years of experience delivering complex automation projects.
• Ability to work completely independently from design through commissioning.
• Advanced proficiency with AllenBradley PLCs, HMIs, drives, and motion control.
• Strong AutoCAD Electrical experience.
• Deep understanding of electrical schematics, control panel design, and machine safety.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex integrated systems.
• Experience with robots, vision systems, and industrial networking.

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.

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

IPS is seeking a motivated Entry Level Controls Engineer to support the design, development, and integration of industrial automation systems for advanced defense and energetics manufacturing. This role is ideal for earlycareer engineers looking to gain handson experience with PLC programming, controls design, and automated system integration under the guidance of senior and principal engineers. Salary range: $70,000–$110,000

 You will work within multidisciplinary project teams and receive mentorship as you develop your technical foundations and grow toward independent engineering ownership.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in the development, testing, and troubleshooting of AllenBradley PLC programs under supervision.
• Support integration of robots, sensors, drives, and vision systems with PLCs and HMIs.
• Aid in commissioning and field support for automated equipment.
• Help create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel documentation using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Perform basic robot teaching and support senior engineers in refining robot paths.
• Contribute to system builds and installation tasks alongside panel technicians.
• Learn and apply standards such as NFPA 79, ISO 13849, and UL 508A.

Who You Are (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or similar.
• 0–4 years of handson experience with industrial automation (internships included).
• Basic understanding of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and VFDs.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Eagerness to learn robotics, vision systems, and control panel design.
• Strong communication and willingness to work closely with mentors.

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.

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

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 Supply Chain Manager (SCM) to manage supplier subcontracts on complex programs within the energetics portfolio   This will include overall management of supplier contracts, schedule and supplier performance and collaborate closely with crossfunctional teams. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

What You’ll Do: 

• Execute and manage suppliers from contract award through closeout, ensuring performance across cost, schedule, technical and quality objectives.
• Oversee the supplier planning across subsystems and functions that are crucial to the program success and the track supplier performance in the Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
• Manage subcontractor performance, ensuring delivery of required data and attainment of technical milestones.
• Drive accountability for supplier performance metrics through formal reviews, risk analysis, and mitigation planning as defined in the subcontracts. 
• Support new business captures and proposals within the defense portfolio.
• Partner with leadership on budgeting, resource planning, and contract profitability tracking.
• Support Program Management and Contracts objectives with subcontract requirements and engagements.
• Performs other job duties as assigned and deemed appropriate by management.

Who You Are:

• Degree in Supply Chain Management or related discipline from an accredited college or university 5 + years of professional experience

• 3+ years of experience working with the U.S. defense industry projects.

• Experience in time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines.

• Experience with ERP procurement systems

• Extensive knowledge and experience working with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure suppliers support successful program objectives.

Demonstrated Who You Are:

• Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR)

• Experience with multiple tasks with competing priorities

• Demonstrated sense of urgency, self-motivated

• Experience and understanding of Subcontract Program Management (SPM) best practices and tools

• Solid subcontract management

• Experience negotiating terms & conditions, and pricing

• Complex problem-solving skills

• Excellent business acumen and ability to make business based decisions

• Procurement experience within engineering technologies or similar industry

• Ability to engage supplier senior executives as necessary to resolve issues

• 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 20%).

• Authorized to work in the US.

 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.

• Career Growth opportunities

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.

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 Deputy Program Manager to assist and lead complex programs within the energetics portfolio and collaborate closely with crossfunctional teams. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement and learning.  This is a on-site position. 

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

• Assist and 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.
• Support  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 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 technical, quantitative or business discipline.
• 7+ 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.

The Opportunity: We are building the next generation of technical leaders in energetics system design and manufacturing.

This role is intentionally designed for a high-potential engineer early in their career who wants to grow into a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and technical leader in complex industrial and energetic material systems.

You will work directly under senior leadership within our Energetics division, receiving hands-on mentorship while contributing to real-world system design, integration, and execution.

What You’ll Do: This job is onsite/in-office each day. You’ll also be responsible for: 

Engineering & Systems Development:

• Support design and development of industrial process systems (mechanical, thermal, fluid, and controls)
• Assist in system integration across equipment, utilities, and facility infrastructure
• Participate in design reviews and engineering decision-making

Program & Project Execution:

• Support planning and execution of complex engineering programs from concept through commissioning
• Coordinate across engineering, fabrication, and installation teams
• Help solve real-world technical challenges in manufacturing environments

Customer & Field Exposure:

• Participate in technical discussions with customers and stakeholders
• Support equipment installation, startup, and commissioning activities
• Gain exposure to full lifecycle system deployment

What We're Looking For: We are NOT looking for traditional project managers.

We are looking for someone who is:

• An engineer at heart (mechanical, chemical, systems, or similar)
• Highly curious and motivated to learn complex physical systems
• Comfortable working in hands-on, industrial environments
• Strong communicator who can grow into a technical leader
• Able to think across disciplines (process, mechanical, controls, operations)

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 0–5 years of experience (internships/co-ops count)
• Exposure to manufacturing, process systems, or industrial environments preferred

Highly Desired (But Not Required) Qualifications:

• Experience with process systems (thermal, fluid, or chemical)
• Experience with manufacturing equipment or automation
• Exposure to controls or system integration
• Internship or research experience in chemical processing, industrial systems, or automation

Why This Role Is Different:

• Direct mentorship from senior technical leadership
• Clear path to Technical Program Leader or SME
• Exposure to large-scale industrial systems early in your career
• Opportunity to grow into a key technical leader within the organization

Travel: ~10% travel for installation, commissioning, and customer support

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a traditional project management role, this is not it. If you want to build deep technical expertise and grow into a leader in complex industrial systems, we want to talk to you.

What We Provide:

• 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

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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

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 crossfunctional 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.