Program Manager III

Position Summary

Job Title: Program Manager III

Job Family: Program Management

Company: Paligen Technologies

Location: Tampa, FL (on – site)

Paligen Aerospace and Defense is seeking a highly skilled Program Manager III to lead complex defense programs from initiation through completion. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in defense program management, a history of delivering large-scale, high-visibility programs on schedule and within budget, and the ability to drive results in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.

This role requires exceptional leadership, strategic planning, communication, and collaboration across cross-functional teams and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Lead the proposal, planning, execution, and delivery of complex defense programs. Develop program strategies, objectives, and performance baselines aligned with customer requirements and company goals.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, partners, and key stakeholders. Build and maintain strong relationships, manage expectations, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

Project Management

• Oversee all aspects of program execution, including scope, schedule, cost, and risks and opportunity management. Develop detailed project plans and milestones. Monitor progress and implement corrective actions to ensure successful delivery.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor cross-functional project teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture.

Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and track program budgets and forecasts. Ensure financial performance targets are met and actively identify cost-efficiency opportunities without compromising quality or compliance.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks. Ensure adherence to ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and contractual requirements. Maintain compliance with all regulatory and internal governance standards.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare and deliver program status reports to executive leadership and customers. Maintain comprehensive program records, documentation, and contract deliverables.

Representation of Paligen

• Represent the company in internal and external meetings, including interactions with U.S. government officials, senior leadership, and technical teams.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks and projects as assigned by Leadership. Promote integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement across all activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• 8+ years of program management experience within the defense industry
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and U.S. defense acquisition processes
• Proven experience managing complex programs exceeding $50M
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio) and program management tools/ERPs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business (MBA), or related field
• PMP or equivalent certification
• Experience with energetics-related programs

Other Requirements

• Travel: Up to 25% to support manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customer engagements
• Work Environment: Office environment
• Security / Compliance: Background investigation, drug screening, and U.S. person status required

Paligen Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value the unique skills and capabilities that our team members bring to our mission. We make all hiring and employment decisions based solely on individual qualifications, merit, and business needs. We strictly prohibit discrimination, ensuring a fair and objective selection process for all applicants.