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Program Manager

Overview and Background

SPARC Research (https://sparcresearch.com) is a growing small business that was founded in 2018 to provide highly capable engineering services to advance the state-of-the-art in solid rocket and airbreathing missile propulsion technology through preliminary design and analysis, development, and prototype demonstrations. SPARC Research works with U.S. Government laboratories, missile prime contractors, and propulsion suppliers to produce effective solutions to current and future requirements.  Our industry-leading propulsion experience, extensive suite of modern Multiphysics propulsion engineering and analysis tools, and agile business approach provide solutions that our customers can count on.

The keys to SPARC’s success include the following:

  • Relationships with customers are built on trust, commitment, and SPARC’s ability to get the job done
  • Independent, objective, and informative engineering solutions for our customers
  • Providing a work life balance for employees that is both enjoyable and rewarding
  • A transparent management approach that recognizes individual employee contributions and accomplishments
  • Active engagement with institutions of higher learning
  • Development of professional technical personnel through internships, mentoring, engagement, and accountability
  • Community involvement and support

SPARC Research is in need of a Program Manager to join our team in Warrenton, Virginia or Cumberland, Maryland. This position requires experience in Department of Defense (DoD) program management and practical knowledge of solid and/or airbreathing propulsion system development and manufacturing, as well as demonstrated problem-solving skills in the daily execution of one or more projects or programs.

Job Responsibilities

The Program Manager will manage one or more projects, lead integrated project teams (IPTs), and be responsible for program cost, schedule, technical progress, and reporting to the customer.  This position will drive execution, communicate with the management staff, manage subcontractors, and will be the primary point of contact for the customer. Travel up to 20% of the program manager’s time to customer sites, meetings, and trade shows is expected.

Requirements

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, management, and/or business-related field, as well as a proven track record of working on Department of Defense (DoD) projects or programs for a minimum of ten (10) years and/or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Additional Requirements:

  • Experience in tactical rocket motor development, manufacturing, testing, and production
  • Leads program management, monthly, quarterly, and customer reviews
  • Manages subcontractor requests for proposals, bids, execution, and performance
  • Proven track record of program completion, and or favorable customer feedback
  • Manages integrated master schedule (IMS), earned value management experience desired
  • Results-driven management style, focused on risks and opportunities
  • Leads cross-functional teams across multiple job functions
  • Ability to manage through others and document compliance with requirements
  • Lead new and follow-on proposals, as well as business development activities
  • Ability to manage up from the site directors to the site President
  • Exceptional written and verbal communications skills
  • Experience with ISO 9001:2015 – AS9100D
  • Experience working with cost plus fixed fee (CPFF), firm fixed price (FFP), and time and material (T&M) contracts
  • The candidate must be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information. The job requires U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience
  • Experience with risk management and system requirement flowdowns and requirements tracking
  • Working knowledge of various drafting tools and software, geometry-based
  • General component and system-level knowledge of solid and liquid propulsion hardware
  • Active SECRET clearance
  • Experience working with aerospace prime contractors and U.S. Government laboratories
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).