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Shift5

Aerospace & Defense Program Manager

Job Summary

This role involves leading aerospace and defense programs within a fast-growing company, focusing on managing cross-functional teams to meet performance targets related to schedule, cost, and technical requirements. The candidate is responsible for developing and executing program plans, maintaining strong customer relationships, and ensuring effective communication and risk mitigation. Qualifications include extensive program management experience, familiarity with defense contracts, and strong leadership skills. The position offers comprehensive benefits and emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive company culture.

Required Skills

Technical Communication
Program Management
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Planning
Risk Management
Contract Management
Root Cause Analysis
Proposal Development
Cross-functional Leadership
Design Reviews
Program Planning
Earned Value Management

Benefits

Health Insurance
Remote Work
Flexible Work
Stock Options
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Public Transit Benefits
Uncapped Paid Time Off

Job Description

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.

Privacy Policy Notice for Shift5, Inc. Job Applicants, Employees and Contractors

Interested in this job?

Application deadline: Open until filled

Logo of Shift5

Shift5

Shift5 is the observability platform for onboard operational technology (OT). Shift5 unlocks the complete ecosystem of onboard data for operations, maintenance, and cybersecurity teams for the first time, enabling real-time decision intelligence through complete onboard data access and observability from the asset level to fleet scale. Shift5 delivers modern OT solutions for the security, availability, safety, resilience, and reliability of today’s fleets and tomorrow’s next-gen assets.

See more jobs
Date PostedJuly 2nd, 2025
Job TypeContract
LocationRosslyn, VA or Remote
Salary$150,000 - $190,000
Exciting remote opportunity (requires residency in United States) for a Aerospace & Defense Program Manager at Shift5. Offering $150,000 - $190,000 (contract). Explore more remote jobs on FlexHired!

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