1720 - Program Manager

Sigma Defense

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Panama City, Florida, US on site Until 9/5/2026 9+ years exp First posted July 7, 2026 Last posted July 7, 2026
Job description

Sigma Defense is seeking a Program Manager to be responsible for leading and managing a complex maintenance and engineering support program focused on naval or maritime platforms. This role oversees all technical, financial, schedule, quality, and reporting activities to ensure the successful delivery of maintenance, modification, repair, and test operations conducted by multi‑disciplinary teams.

This is a contingent position that is pending award of contract. This means that the position is subject to the successful awarding of a contract and will be confirmed once the contract is finalized. The candidate selected for this role will be offered the position on the condition that the contract is awarded to our organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled: Sigma Defense Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Requirements

  • 9+ or more years supervising maintenance, repair, or modification of air‑cushion vehicles, aircraft, or U.S. Navy ships.
  • 5+ years of concurrent program management experience within an air‑cushion vehicle organization or an aviation/shipboard maintenance or repair environment.
  • Proven ability to lead large technical teams in a high‑tempo operational or maintenance setting.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and managing quality control systems and processes.
  • Familiarity with the Navy 3‑M (Maintenance and Material Management) System.
  • Strong understanding of industry standards including:
    • J‑STD‑001
    • IPC‑A‑610
    • IPC‑A‑620
  • Experience overseeing or ensuring compliance with NAVSEA welding certification requirements and Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) procedures.
  • Ability to integrate these standards into program operations to achieve consistent, high‑quality results.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
  • Experience managing budgets, analyzing costs, and overseeing subcontractor or vendor performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex technical work across multi‑disciplinary teams.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.

Candidate Differentiators:

  • Previous leadership roles supporting naval maintenance, test, or overhaul environments.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.

Personnel Clearance Level:

  • Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain an active Secret security clearance or higher.
  • Clearance may be sponsored for the right candidate.

Education Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Essential Job Duties (not all-inclusive):

  • Direct all day‑to‑day activities for maintenance, repair, modification, testing, and engineering support efforts.
  • Serve as the primary senior liaison with internal stakeholders, customers, and senior leadership.
  • Coordinate workflow, tasking, and priorities across technical teams, production personnel, quality specialists, logisticians, and subcontractors.
  • Ensure all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable standards, certifications, and organizational policies.
  • Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, resource plans, staffing strategies, and operational milestones.
  • Allocate labor and material resources to meet operational timelines and technical requirements.
  • Lead workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, and performance management for assigned personnel.
  • Manage program budgets, track expenditures, and maintain alignment with approved funding levels.
  • Oversee financial forecasting, cost analysis, burn‑rate monitoring, and adherence to internal financial controls.
  • Prepare and deliver all required program reports, status updates, and progress summaries to leadership.
  • Oversee compliance with welding certifications, inspection requirements, and non‑destructive testing practices.
  • Lead internal reviews, identify deficiencies, and implement corrective actions to ensure consistent, high‑quality outcomes.
  • Ensure all work is performed in accordance with applicable safety regulations and facility policies.
  • Identify program risks, develop mitigation plans, and ensure proactive resolution of technical, scheduling, or resource‑related issues.
  • Maintain compliance with access and personnel requirements as applicable to high‑security or controlled work environments.
  • Lead regular technical and programmatic meetings, briefings, and coordination sessions.
  • Maintain clear, timely communication with leadership, team members, and external partners.
  • Prepare executive‑level briefings, analytical reports, and deliverables summarizing program performance.

Salary Range: $112,000 - $140,000 annually.

Benefits

  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Medical Insurance to Include HSA, FSA, and DFSA Plans
  • Life and AD&D coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
  • 160 Hours of Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 12 (Floating) Holidays
  • Educational Assistance
  • Highly Competitive Salary
About this role

Summary

Lead naval maintenance and engineering programs, manage teams, budgets, schedules, and compliance.

Job title

Program Manager

Experience level

9+ years

Minimum experience

9+ years exp

Industry

defense

Location requirements

On-site in Panama City, FL, USA; no remote work allowed.

Salary

$112k–$140k

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

supervising maintenanceprogram managementquality controlNavy 3-M Systemwelding certification

Preferred skills

naval supportISO 9001continuous improvement

Specializations

naval maintenanceprogram managementquality systemsNDTnavy 3-M
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Panama City, FL, USA

On-site City