Leads a major airborne communications modernization program, overseeing technical execution, cost, schedule, risk, contracts, customer relationships, aircraft modification, avionics integration, testing, certification, cybersecurity, logistics, and sustainment. Supervises multidisciplinary engineering and operational teams, subcontractors, and partners while managing government and international stakeholder engagement. Requires extensive aerospace or defense experience, aircraft integration expertise, and an active Secret clearance.
Senior Program ManagerDesired Start Date: 2 weeks prior to award, or no later than 2 weeks after awardLocation: Oklahoma City, OK Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Security Clearance required at time of employmentTravel Requirement: Up to 25–35% domestic and international travelRequired QualificationsEducationExperience
- Lead all aspects of program execution and serve as the primary authority for cost, schedule, technical, contractual, and operational performance.
- Develop program strategies, priorities, execution plans, and performance objectives.
- Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), subcontractors, and partner organizations to achieve program goals.
- Ensure successful delivery of aircraft modifications and associated systems in accordance with contractual and customer requirements.
- Direct integration of avionics, communications, mission systems, software, and hardware into existing aircraft platforms.
- Provide leadership for systems engineering activities, requirements management, verification, validation, and technical reviews.
- Oversee aircraft modification efforts, system interoperability, and technical performance throughout the program lifecycle.
- Support airworthiness certification, flight release, ground testing, and flight test activities.
- Monitor program performance using established management processes, metrics, and Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
- Lead program risk identification, mitigation planning, issue resolution, and recovery actions.
- Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, configuration management, and government acquisition requirements.
- Maintain alignment between technical execution, contractual commitments, and customer expectations.
- Serve as the senior interface with government, industry, and international stakeholders.
- Lead program reviews, customer briefings, and executive presentations.
- Communicate program status, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Foster strong relationships with customers, partners, and cross-functional teams.
- Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in a complex defense environment.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and mission success.
- Support staff development and leadership growth across the program organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Avionics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- PMP and/or DAWIA certification, preferred.
- 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, military aviation, or aircraft modernization programs.
- 10+ years leading complex avionics, aircraft integration, or defense acquisition programs.
- Demonstrated success managing aircraft integration efforts from design through testing, certification, and delivery.
- Experience leading large engineering and systems integration teams supporting government customers valued $35M+.
- Working knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and project scheduling tools.
- Strong understanding of avionics systems, aircraft integration, systems engineering, flight testing, certification, and defense acquisition processes.
- Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and customer relationship management skills.
- Experience with AWACS, ISR, C2, airborne communications, or large aircraft mission systems.
Compensation - Salary
At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full time, exempt position.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance:
Must be eligible to work in the US. Must hold an Active DoD Secret Clearance
AAP/EEO Statement
Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
Similar Jobs
Enterprise Web • Fintech • Marketing Tech • Software
Leads mobile QA and automation strategy for iOS and Android React Native applications. Architects scalable test frameworks for mobile, web, and REST APIs; develops automated UI, integration, regression, performance, and release tests; integrates testing into CI/CD pipelines; manages QA backlogs and release readiness; troubleshoots defects; defines quality standards; and mentors QA engineers while supporting hiring and practice development.
Top Skills:
AndroidAppiumBrowserstackCi/CdDetoxiOSMaestroPlaywrightPostmanPythonReact NativeRest ApisSmartbear
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software • Big Data Analytics • Automation
Owns financial planning and analysis for the go-to-market organization, including ARR and revenue forecasting, expense management, variance analysis, headcount planning, sales compensation support, and annual planning. Partners with sales leadership and executives, develops SaaS financial models and self-service reporting, validates data with SQL, and delivers insights for CRO, CFO, CEO, and board decisions.
Top Skills:
AnaplanClaudePigmentSalesforceSQLZuoraZuora Revenue
Cloud • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Owns end-to-end enterprise DSPM delivery, including multi-cloud architecture, data connector deployment, classification pipelines, security policies, identity controls, Zero Trust integrations, troubleshooting, and customer consulting. Partners with engineering, product, sales, and enterprise customers to reduce cloud data risks, support AI governance, and optimize Zscaler security solutions across complex environments.
Top Skills:
AWSAzureBigQueryCloud IamDatabricksGCPNoSQLOauth2PythonRbacRest ApisSAMLSaseScimSharepointSmbSnowflakeSQLSseSsoZero TrustZscaler ZdxZscaler ZiaZscaler Zpa
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
