Defense Program Manager

Position Summary

Baxter Aerospace is seeking an experienced Defense Program Manager to lead the execution and operational success of our government programs. This individual will serve as the central point of coordination across engineering, production, procurement, quality, logistics, and government customers to ensure every aspect of each program stays on schedule, compliant, and aligned with company objectives.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring exceptional organization, communication, and decision-making skills. The Defense Program Manager owns the execution of defense programs from contract award through delivery, ensuring customer expectations, government requirements, production schedules, and internal priorities remain synchronized.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary program manager for all assigned defense programs.
• Lead day-to-day execution of government contracts from planning through final delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable government contract requirements, regulations, documentation, and reporting.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality assurance, logistics, and finance.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate integrated program schedules and production timelines.
• Monitor milestones, identify risks, and proactively resolve issues that could impact cost, schedule, or performance.
• Track production status and ensure manufacturing remains aligned with customer commitments.
• Oversee shipping schedules and coordinate on-time deliveries to government customers.
• Work closely with suppliers and internal purchasing teams to prevent material shortages or schedule delays.
• Lead program review meetings and provide regular status updates to executive leadership.
• Manage customer communications regarding program progress, schedule changes, and deliverables.
• Ensure configuration management, documentation, and change control processes are followed.
• Support proposal development, contract reviews, and transition of new programs into production.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve execution, communication, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accountability for overall program performance, customer satisfaction, and successful contract execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience managing complex government or defense programs.
• Strong understanding of DoD contracting, program management, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent project planning, scheduling, and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting demanding deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Department of Defense contracts.
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other government compliance requirements.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning.
• Knowledge of aerospace or defense manufacturing processes.
• Former Military
• Active U.S. Security Clearance or ability to obtain one.