Mission Manager

Responsibilities:

• Program and Contract Management: 
• Own customer relationships and ensure on-time and on-budget contract execution and delivery 
• Develop and leverage contracted customer relationships to grow existing product offerings and identify potential new solution.  
• Work directly with product, engineering, sales, and logistics to deliver and develop products and capabilities for Hermeus customers 
• Partner with the security team to ensure all relevant and appropriate security protocols and procedures are in place to execute work. This includes document management and storage, read-ons for relevant team members, program protection planning etc. 
• Write and negotiate contract mods (according to FAR/DFAR/OTA regulations) and extensions for contracted work, while also identifying and coordinating with product and growth teams on areas for product expansion 
• Own the delivery and quality control of all contracted deliverables for an engagement and coordinate across all business functions in support of deliverables 
• Serve as the voice of the customer to ensure we’re building what the customer needs before they know they need it
• Understand Hermeus core value proposition and serve as a critical voice in market to differentiate Hermeus offerings from the competition 


• Proposal Execution & Support: 
• Support the drafting and delivery of RFIs and white papers as necessary 
• Coordinate with product, Advanced Development, and growth teams on schedule development and resourcing based on proposal scope 
• Assist finance team with proposal pricing and the proposal team with overall proposal execution 
• Support product, growth, and Advanced Development in drafting statements of work and support the development of proposals that will transition into customer contracts  

Minimum Requirements:

• Strong technical aptitude: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a STEM related field preferred
• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in contract, account, or program management in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and executing DoD contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence people through both formal and informal constructs and in situations with lack of clarity across teams 
• Owner Mindset – Demonstrated ability to take responsibility for projects and outcomes with a strong sense of ownership and accountability 
• Experience with FAR/DFAR/OTA type negotiations preferred clear communicator who can structure plans and make chaos into clarity 
• Must be able to drive cross-functional outcomes in fast paced organizations where decision making resides at the edge as much as possible 
• Strong understanding of contract management, contract modifications, and customer negotiations 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with customers, internal engineer & test teams, and suppliers effectively 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate market trends and drive product innovation 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in contract, account, or program management in the aerospace and defense industry. Aviation, or technical, product focus strongly preferred 
• Proven track record of successfully managing and executing DoD contracts with experience in airborne systems.
• TS/SCI clearance

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based role with frequent interaction across engineering, operations, and leadership teams.
• May require occasional presence in manufacturing, hangar, or test environments where exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or moving mechanical parts is possible.
• Work is generally performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, but travel between facilities or to suppliers/customers may be required (up to 30%).
• Standard business hours with occasional evening or weekend work to meet program deadlines or support test activities.
• Regular use of computers, teleconferencing tools, and standard office equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
• Frequent communication with team members, requiring clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 20 lbs (e.g., product samples, documentation, equipment).
• Ability to safely enter and move around industrial, production, or testing areas, including climbing stairs, bending, or wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support suppliers, customers, and program reviews.