Technical Program Manager

Leads end-to-end technical and business management of major contracts and programs, spanning development through product delivery, with full profit and loss (P&L) ownership and accountability. Responsible for developing, maintaining, and executing Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to ensure on-time delivery, contract compliance, financial performance, and product quality. Serves as the primary customer interface, managing relationships, driving satisfaction, negotiating contracts, and identifying opportunities to expand business. Coordinates budgets, and cross-functional alignment across Palomar to achieve program success. Applies critical thinking and deep expertise to solve complex challenges throughout the product life cycle, while working independently and mentoring junior Technical Program Managers where applicable.

Key Responsibilities:
Program & Financial Management

• In partnership with functional and technical leadership, develop and execute comprehensive program plans that define tasks, schedules, resources, costs, and priorities to ensure successful delivery of the full contract scope.
• Develop, manage, and track budgets, forecasts, and financial metrics, including EAC/ETC, sales, and gross margin.
• Prepare and present program financial statements, monthly reviews, and proposal P&Ls to management.
• Oversee, track, and update monthly financial forecasts for all assigned programs and contracts, ensuring accuracy and accountability.
• Identify and implement cost reduction and productivity initiatives across the lifecycle.
• Oversee and manage program billing milestones, forecasting, invoicing, and payment collection activities to ensure on-time customer payments, proactively addressing risks to maintain positive cash flow and prevent late payments.
• Lead and conduct monthly Program Management Reviews (PMRs), ensuring comprehensive assessment of program performance, risks, financials, and deliverables, and driving actionable outcomes to keep programs on track

• Capture and communicate program requirements across functional groups.
• Develop, maintain, and execute Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to drive resource allocation, milestones, deliverables, and schedule commitments.
• Guide engineering development through the full lifecycle (design, development, documentation, testing, and certification) while managing cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet customer expectations and deliverables.
• Host regular cross-functional meetings to review milestones and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Lead all phase-gate reviews (Kickoff, TIM, SRR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA, etc.) in alignment with Life Cycle Management (LCM) processes.

• Oversee and manage scope changes in collaboration with customers, updating schedules and budgets accordingly.

• Serve as the primary customer contact during the execution of the program and contract.
• Be highly responsive to customer inquiries with a goal of responding within one business day.
• In partnership with and under the guidance of the Business Unit Manager and Account Managers, negotiate, review, administer, and monitor contracts, including participation in bidding activities and award negotiations.
• Collaborate with Business Unit and Account Managers to define and maintain program objectives, scope, and deliverables.
• Ensure customers, suppliers, and management remain aligned through proactive communication, meetings, and reports.
• Facilitate customer site visits, ensuring organizational readiness and meeting expectations.
• In collaboration with Supply Chain team, establish required subcontracts to support program execution, and manage subcontractor deliverables to maintain alignment with overall contract objectives, schedule, and milestones.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks while developing recovery strategies.
• Maintain a risk management system to track risks, issues, and opportunities throughout the lifecycle.
• Provide detailed and regular updates on key metrics including cost, schedule, technical performance, and risks/opportunities.

• Support new business pursuits by contributing to proposals, cost/effort estimates, and business strategies.
• Partner with Business Unit Managers and Account Managers to shape pricing strategies and financial models.
• Identify opportunities for new applications and product line expansion with existing customers.
• Contribute to annual business planning and strategic initiatives.

• Mentor and develop less experienced Technical Program Managers.
• Drive process improvements and integrate industry best practices into Technical Program Management work instructions.
• Serve as the primary interface between engineering and other functions (sales, finance, operations).
• Uphold Palomar’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, ensuring all work is performed with integrity and compliance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational success.

• Program Management Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical experience in applying Project Management Professional (PMP) principles, techniques, and methodologies to complex, multi-faceted design and development programs.
• Avionics Industry Knowledge: Proven experience with military avionics systems development, particularly in systems with hardware, firmware and software development, and a strong understanding of industry standards and practices, including DO-178, DO-254, and DO-160.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Strong leadership abilities, with a track record of effectively managing and mentoring cross-functional teams. Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Cost & Budget Management: Exceptional budgeting and financial management skills, with a proven ability to drive cost containment and optimize program financials while ensuring that all deliverables meet customer requirements.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information to diverse audiences, including customers, senior management, and cross-functional teams.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Experienced in the proactive management of program risks and opportunities, ensuring the program remains on track and that any potential issues are mitigated before they impact deliverables.
• Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of industry compliance standards and regulations, including military standards, as well as the ability to manage customer and FAA audits effectively.
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with engineering and avionics development, including software, firmware, mechanical, and electronic subsystems, and systems integration.
• Tool Proficiency: Proficient in MS Project, MS Office Suite, and other project management tools to effectively track and report project performance.
• US Citizenship required. Active security clearance is preferred, or ability to obtain and maintain clearance.

• Education: BS or MS in Engineering, or BA/MA in Business Administration.
• Experience: 1–4 years.
• Scope: Executes assigned programs and contracts under guidance, supporting financial, schedule, and technical objectives.
• Leadership: Works independently with oversight; begins mentoring junior staff as experience grows.

• Education: BS or MS in Engineering, or BA/MA in Business Administration.
• Experience: 5–8 years; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Scope: Independently leads multiple complex programs and contracts with full customer, financial, and schedule accountability.
• Work Style: Operates under general direction, participates in defining objectives, establishes work priorities, and arranges own activities. Work is reviewed upon completion to ensure objectives are met.
• Problem-Solving: Tackles problems of medium scope and complexity, applying good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solutions.
• Leadership: Self-starter with urgency, capable of managing several projects simultaneously. Regularly mentors junior PMs, ensures organizational alignment, drives process improvements, and influences business strategies.

• Education: BS or MS in Engineering, or BA/MA in Business Administration; Master’s preferred.
• Experience: 8–10+ years; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification strongly preferred.
• Scope: Senior-level leader managing multiple or highly critical programs and contracts with major strategic and business impact.
• Work Style: Highly independent with minimal supervision; establishes work prioritization, manages own activities, and reviews the team’s work to ensure objectives are met.
• Problem-Solving: Handles problems of large scope and high complexity, requiring evaluation of multiple factors. Demonstrates excellent judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solutions.
• Leadership: Self-starter with urgency, able to manage multiple large projects simultaneously. Mentors and develops less experienced TPMs, drives continuous improvement, and establishes standard work practices across projects. Represents the company at the highest customer and strategic levels.