Program Manager – Government Systems

Main purpose of the job

We are seeking a Program Manager with a background in sensor development in the defense and security industry. The role involves managing challenging and often complex product and system developments with multi-disciplinary and multi-site engineering teams for clients focused on the defense and security market. Specific experience in radar and other sensor-based systems, including development, deployment and operation in the field, is preferred. Offering a high level of diversity and interest, the role will include working with others within the Government Systems Group to develop relationships with prospective clients and identification of new business opportunities.

Type of work undertaken by the division/group

The Products and Systems Division currently has approximately 80 people and develops advanced products in a number of industry areas. Our business is developed through proactive campaigns in the following fields: Defense and Security Systems, Transportation Systems, Industrial and Commercial Systems, Consumer Products, and Semiconductor Systems. Our development teams are sourced from skills-led groups, consisting of Radio Sensing, Electromechanical Design, Software, Digital ASICs and Program Managers, each group offering a range of engineering disciplines.

The Government Systems Group is focused on expanding the company’s market offering. Specifically we are targeting US Government agencies and Primes including DOD, DOT, DOE and DHS opportunities. Our primary skills offering are sensor-based system development, Human Systems Integration and sensor fusion. We combine highly creative lateral thinking with excellent technical skills and a broad base of industry experience to form multidisciplinary development teams. Our work ranges from requirements capture through complete product development. In addition, we provide consulting services for our clients on their technology, strategy and/or development.

You will have the opportunity to work on a range of complex US Government programs. Recent examples of our work include a number of sensors, development of a family of signal processor cores, a high-speed optical sensing system, a portable system for compatibility testing of Interstate signage, a full-size gourmet coffee vending machine, a scientific instrument with precise temperature control and complete mobile telephone handsets.

Specific responsibilities

Managing projects in the field of defense and security, typically consisting of multidisciplinary teams. The teams are likely to include systems, electrical, mechanical, software, analog and digital signal processing, and human systems integration engineering. In addition, there is likelihood that the projects may involve some of our mathematicians, physicists, optics, wireless and other technology experts.

The position involves the management of projects through the complete development lifecycle, from requirements capture/definition through transition to manufacture. You will be involved in proposal preparation, selection of the team, negotiations with third parties, managing concept generation, analysis of the system architecture, liaison across program development disciplines and the specification, implementation, testing, validation and qualification of the design. You will be fully accountable for financial, schedule and technical performance of the program and projects you manage. You will also serve as the primary communication link with the client(s) on the program.

You will manage projects typically in the range of $100,000 to $3,000,000 that require delivery within tight schedules and budgets, managing both internal and external resources. You will also make a significant contribution to our business development activities through supporting our campaign managers. You will develop your own relationships with clients and will be able to respond to their needs, recognize sales opportunities and engage other company resources to pursue, as appropriate. The position requires travel, some of which may be international.

Minimum requirements

Government contract/sub-contract program management experience. A degree in an engineering or technical field, plus substantial industrial experience working in sensor systems (eg, radar, optical, ultrasound). A proven track record in the management of large multi-disciplinary projects (mechanical, electrical, RF, optic, digital and analog, software). A sound commercial understanding of the defense business, preferably with demonstrable experience in executing US Government development contracts. Proven ability in the US Government sales process, including technical and commercial proposal writing. Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a US security clearance; past US security clearances preferred.
Other attributes:

A self-starting individual who takes responsibility for the delivery of complete, high quality solutions
Experience in managing both defense development program teams and the customer
Working with customers (both DOD agencies and leading contractors) in the US Government sector
Experience in managing products through transition to manufacture
Proven success supporting US Government acquisition, capture and execution activities
Ability to efficiently conceptualize, plan and provide management of New Product Introduction efforts
Excellent oral and written communication skills, team building and team leadership experience and able to work with minimum direct supervision
Interest in using your management skills across a range of industries
Program management experience underpinned by relevant technical expertise

Future Prospects

Cambridge Consultants is committed to developing its employees’ careers and has a flexible policy for individual capabilities and preferences. Promotion is linked to merit.

Employment benefits

Good salaries, based on merit and reviewed annually
Bonus scheme in addition to basic salary
Flexible working hours
Excellent career development and training opportunities
Above all, real responsibility for real business problems, with good career prospects based on merit

Cambridge Consultants is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; M/F/D/V

To apply, send your CV to: USrecruitment@CambridgeConsultants.com