Program Manager - Defense Solutions - Onsite

About the Role

Program Manager for Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions in Ashburn, VA. You will lead programs in the rugged embedded computing domain, manage multi‑million dollar budgets and schedules, and serve as the primary liaison with key military and commercial customers to ensure successful outcomes and growth. What You'll Do

• Serve as the principal point of contact to key military and commercial customers, showcasing technical program leadership within rugged embedded computing.

• Manage technical programs with multi‑million dollar budgets, schedules, and cross‑functional teams.

• Hold program and proposal Kick-off Meetings, establish baselines for cost, design configuration, and schedule; track metrics to monitor performance.

• Lead multi‑disciplinary teams within a matrixed organization and act as central authority for the company in its relationship with customers.

• Provide program status reporting and proactively identify and implement corrective actions; develop contingency plans for risk areas.

• Pursue new business and coordinate proposal responses to formal RFPs and informal inquiries; work with Engineering and support to analyze proposals (cost/risk/quality).

• Monitor subcontract costs, schedules, and technical performance; coordinate with negotiation teams and conduct source selections.

• Ensure written records document all agreements/commitments; drive customer communications, negotiations, and proposal management.

• Maintain awareness of Defense and Aerospace customer expectations and support development of cost‑effective, customer‑oriented solutions.

• Act independently to make decisions affecting the program’s success and maintain compliance with contract requirements and company policies. What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering preferred (or equivalent).

• PgMP and PMP certification highly desired.

• Minimum 7 years related experience in strategic planning, competitive assessments, and bidding/acquisition of multi‑million dollar contracts.

• Experience with Defense and Aerospace customers and as a principal point of contact for internal/external stakeholders.

• Strong budget management and leadership of annual multi‑million dollar programs.

• Technical and program leadership in the Single Board Computer industry and integrated systems development.

• Excellent customer communications, negotiations, and proposal management skills.

• Ability to contribute to weekly/monthly strategic planning and roadmaps; motivate teams toward schedule milestones and cost‑effective, customer‑oriented solutions.

• US citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance. Nice to Have

• Experience with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions and defense platforms.

• Additional certifications in program management or defense industry compliance. Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay plus comprehensive benefits such as paid time off, 401(k) with employer match and profit sharing, health and wellness benefits, learning and development opportunities, and employee stock purchase plan.

• Referral program, recognition programs, and an inclusive, supportive culture.

• The organization focuses on growth in high‑demand technology areas within defense and aerospace.