Sr. Deputy Program Manager Engineering

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required

Responsibilities for this Position

Position Overview

The Deputy Program Manager, Engineering (DPME) serves as a key engineering leader responsible for the technical health, schedule integrity, and quality of all engineering deliverables supporting the Heritage-class OPC program. The DPME partners closely with the Program Manager and cross-functional teams to drive engineering execution across system integration, test and verification, risk management, and change control — ensuring the program delivers a fully integrated, validated, and mission-capable maritime system.

This role requires a seasoned engineering professional who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and can balance technical depth with program leadership acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering Planning & Execution: Develop and maintain comprehensive engineering plans aligned with program milestones, ensuring all deliverables — including documentation — are produced with high quality and delivered on schedule.
• Systems Integration & Verification: Ensure total system requirements are validated and that the fully integrated OPC platform is tested and verified to specification.
• Process Compliance: Ensure all engineering activities adhere to established engineering practices, standards, and regulatory requirements applicable to General Dynamics Mission Systems and maritime defense programs.
• Technical Issue Resolution: Manage the identification and resolution of technical issues across complex, multi-discipline engineering domains; communicate resolutions to all affected stakeholders and ensure changes are reflected across all impacted artifacts.
• Performance Measurement: Identify, develop, analyze, and report engineering project measures and metrics, including Earned Value (SPI/CPI), Cost Account Management (CAM), and Statistical Process Controls.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify engineering risks and implement effective corrective actions to maintain program performance.
• Team Leadership: Motivate and guide engineering teams, providing clear direction on project goals, resolving conflicts, and fostering a high-performance culture. 
• AI & Innovation: Champion the identification and application of AI and emerging technologies for continuous improvement and engineering innovation across the program.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Systems Engineering Expertise: Deep understanding of systems integration, test, and verification processes in complex defense or maritime programs.
• Program Management Acumen: Excellent proficiency in project management principles including Earned Value Management (EVM), SPI/CPI, Cost Account Management (CAM), and Statistical Process Controls.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical topics clearly to diverse audiences — from engineers to senior leadership and government customers.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams while managing conflict and driving accountability.
• Problem Solving: Proven track record of resolving complex technical challenges in high-stakes program environments.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and organizational capabilities to manage competing priorities across a large-scale, multi-year program.
• Negotiation & Interpersonal Dynamics: Ability to handle negotiations and manage complex stakeholder relationships effectively.
• Agile & Traditional Lifecycle Knowledge: Expertise in various project life cycles including agile methodologies, and the ability to adapt approaches to program needs.
• Technology Anticipation: Ability to anticipate technology, process, and skill needs; apply or develop advanced technologies, principles, theories, and concepts relevant to maritime mission systems.
• Company Processes: Strong understanding and application of GDMS policies, practices, and engineering processes.
• AI Literacy: Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to apply AI tools for process improvement and innovation.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, or other maritime defense programs.
• Background in shipboard systems integration, combat systems, or mission system engineering.
• Familiarity with naval acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS, and government program reporting requirements.

Salary Note

Combined Salary Range

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans