Sr Program Manager, Ground and Flight Test Operations

Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Location: Vandalia
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries. SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here . Are you an experienced program manager with a background in aircraft test and certification? Are you looking to advance your career and flex your leadership and program management skills in a fast paced and rewarding organization? Join us! As a Sr Program Manager, you will support the business objectives at SNC. You will be responsible for the organization, coordination and subsequent execution of ground and flight test activities for a high-visibility and complex Government development program, to include developing test schedules, managing test execution, and ensuring overall program performance objectives that support GT/FT milestones are achieved. You will be a key leader in cross program / cross business coordination, engaging with corporate, functional, government and program (internal and external) stakeholders to meet program requirements. You will be responsible for ensuring program risks and issues are identified, tracked, and mitigated. You'll serve as the central point of contact between the test, maintenance and engineering organizations, interfacing on project/program status, proposal development, research/fact-finding, coordinating audits, and negotiating with key program personnel to ensure program test execution meets/exceeds schedule and cost objectives. You'll support IPT, Engineering, Operations, and Business Operations Leadership in fulfilling their responsibilities in support of the Program. Responsibilities: Bachelor's degree in Project/Program Management, Operations Management, Engineering or related field Typically 10 years of progressive experience in project or program management Typically 5 years leading large scale projects; scope spanning multiple years, while leading teams made up of 10 cross functional members Working knowledge of FAA rules and regulations, Part 145 Repair Station operations including launch and recovery of aircraft, and basic maintenance actions Familiarity with MIL and FAA certification processes Experience on military programs requiring Developmental Test and/or Operational Test Experience working in aircraft ground and flight test environments with multiple aircraft Experience with ensuring compliance with approved Corporate and ISO 9001:2000 Policies and Processes Experience in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines. Extensive knowledge and experience within program management including use and application of Earned Value Management (EVM) to manage manufacturing, aerospace and/or engineering programs Demonstrated financial acumen to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible. Requires ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to dynamic situations Requires ability to execute, coordination of all elements of a program, i.e., Program integration management. Perform task coordination, resource development, stakeholder identification, etc. Capability to manage program lifecycle conflicts, prioritize competing priorities/requests, and evaluate available resources. Requires ability to identify, assess, and control financial, technical, and legal risks. Proficient leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews Understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS) The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required Qualifications You Must Have: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Project Management, Management, Engineering or related field. 10 years of progressive experience in project or program management. 5 years leading large scale projects, with scope spanning multiple years, while leading teams made up of 10 cross functional members. Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 14 years of related experience is required. Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience. Experience with the evaluation of requests for proposals and/or quotes. Experience with preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals and/or quotes. Experience with managing multiple large-scale projects, or portfolio of projects up to a large independent program. Experience with ensuring compliance with approved Corporate and ISO 9001:2000 Policies and Processes. Experience in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines. Demonstrated financial acumen to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible. Requires ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to dynamic situations Requires ability to execute, coordination of all elements of a program, i.e., Program integration management. Perform task coordination, resource development, stakeholder identification, etc. Capability to manage program lifecycle conflicts, prioritize competing. priorities/requests, and evaluate available resources. Requires ability to identify, assess, and control financial, technical, and legal risks. Proficient leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews. Understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS). Qualifications We Prefer: Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification (will not be considered in lieu of required experience). Advanced degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or related field (may be considered in lieu of 1 year of required project/program management experience). Working knowledge of Program Management Institute Program Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Managing projects/programs using Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), agile and or spiral development models. Managing projects/programs requiring Earned Value Management. Understanding with application tools and data architectures. Ability to reinforce the usage & application of Corporate PM tools. Ability to lead program management (PM) process & tool improvement for the Business Area. Ability to keep program management informed of function & process changes within project controls. Ability to enhance program management expertise in the staff. Ability to establish centralized, coordinating body for PM concerns, recommendations, & issues; developing recommended process improvements; facilitating opportunities with Enterprise Program Finance. Ability to establish new & further refining existing templates, tools, & guidelines for program documentation & execution. Experience managing System Integration Lab (SIL) test activities Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification (will not be considered in lieu of required experience) Advanced degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or related field (may be considered in lieu of 1 year of required project/program management experience) Working knowledge of Program Management Institute Program Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Ability to enhance program management expertise in the staff Essential Functions: Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment. Frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment. Must be able to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders. Occasional travel may be required to support project needs and team collaboration. This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs. SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position. SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more . IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team! SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

Keywords: Sierra Nevada Corporation, Muncie , Sr Program Manager, Ground and Flight Test Operations, Engineering , Vandalia, Indiana