Senior Program Manager - Propulsion Systems

Eleven Recruiting is searching for a Senior Program Manager — Propulsion Systems on behalf of a leading defense hardware manufacturer specializing in mission-critical systems across missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense programs. The role is onsite and sits within a propulsion-focused Integrated Product Team (IPT), reporting directly to the IPT Lead. This PM owns full programmatic execution — cost, schedule, EVM, customer interface, and contract deliverables — for a portfolio of propulsion and ordnance-adjacent hardware programs. You will be the day-to-day face of the program to the customer and the primary driver of delivery across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality.ResponsibilitiesOwn programmatic execution across propulsion and energetics programs — cost, schedule, and deliverables in support of the IPT Lead.Serve as the primary customer interface for technical interchange meetings, design reviews, CDRs/PDRs, and status reporting.Develop and maintain EVM metrics; report CPI/SPI, variance analysis, and EAC forecasts to leadership and customers.Build and maintain integrated master schedules tracking critical path and dependencies across cross-functional teams.Coordinate qualification and acceptance testing; support TRRs, anomaly documentation, and test report preparation.Manage subcontract and supplier activity in coordination with procurement.Support ITAR compliance, proposal writing, BOE development, and new business activities.QualificationsRequiredB.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.10+ years in aerospace and/or defense; 3+ years in program management.Background in energetics, propulsion, or defense-focused hardware — candidates from commercial flight programs are not the target profile for this role.Demonstrated EVM experience — CPI/SPI, variance analysis, EAC forecasting.Integrated master schedule experience across cross-functional teams.Direct customer interface experience at formal program reviews.U.S. citizenship; ability to obtain and maintain DoD SECRET clearance.PreferredExperience taking a solid rocket motor through development and/or qualification testing.Familiarity with pyrotechnic, ordnance-adjacent, or precision mechanical defense hardware.Manufacturing familiarity — small batch machining and processing in a defense environment.MIL-SPEC / MIL-STD qualification experience for airborne or ground-based hardware.Prime contractor or government program experience (MDA, USAF, USN, Raytheon, L3Harris, Northrop, Aerojet).Subcontract and supply chain management on government contracts.M.S. in a technical discipline or MBA.AS9100-certified manufacturing environment experience.Salary: $150,000 - $170,000