Aerospace & Defense Program Manager

Shift5 is redefining the future of onboard operational technology (OT). As a fast-growing scale-up, we specialize in cutting-edge cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance for OT systems across defense, aerospace, and rail. We are a team of passionate, innovative professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment, driven by a shared mission to revolutionize how fleets operate. By unlocking and democratizing the vast potential of onboard OT data, we help our customers’ fleets run smarter, safer, and more efficiently. Ready to be part of the next frontier in transportation and critical infrastructure? Come join us.

Our Values:

• Embrace Truth and Integrity: Base decisions on data, foster open dialogue, and uphold unwavering integrity.
• User-Centric Focus: Prioritize user needs to guide our actions and resource allocation.
• Collaborative & Adaptable: Collaborate for excellence, learning from failures and driving iterative improvements, recognizing every decision's significance.

Shift5 is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Aerospace & Defense Program Manager who has deep experience running programs within the Department of Defense.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve program performance targets (schedule, cost, technical, contractual).
• Drive customer engagement, building strong, lasting partnerships.
• Develop and execute program plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the customer and internal teams, ensuring clear communication.
• Conduct internal and external program reviews, delivering timely and accurate reports.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Support strategic planning and proposal development for new business.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 6+ years of program management experience (aerospace/defense preferred).
• Experience managing contracts/programs valued at $20M+.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional programs.
• Strong knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM), risk management, and program planning.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with gated design reviews (PDR, CDR).
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base Salary: $150,000-$190,000
• Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup
• Competitive salary and stock options in a fast-growing startup
• Employer-paid medical, dental and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Life Insurance
• Uncapped paid time off policy
• Flexible work & remote work policy
• Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)

We are committed to building an inclusive culture of belonging that embraces the diversity of our people and represents the communities in which we work and the customers we serve. We know the happiest and highest performing teams include people with diverse perspectives and ways of solving problems. We strive to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and create workplaces where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

Shift5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, projected veteran status, or any other protected group or class.

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