Program Manager Jobs 2026 (Now Hiring) – Smart Auto Apply

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Description

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED's current salary range for this role is $149,200 - $174,000 annually. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED's benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts. CED follows a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Manager II will lead a business segment within the Program Management Office (PMO). This leadership requires the management of a group of interrelated projects to deliver a significant business outcome over a span of time. The Program Manager II will coordinate with multiple project managers, align project schedules and budgets, and ensure integration between projects. As an integral member of the PMO, the Program Manager II, will collaborate with PMO leadership to create standards, processes and delivery approaches to improve project performance.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Effectively lead the efforts of a cross-functional Integrated Program Team (IPT) to achieve program success
• Execute program activities in accordance with established company program management procedures; organize program work utilizing the program plan and monitoring approach
• Oversee cost, schedule and technical baseline within program constraints
• Accountable for execution, stakeholder communication, and ensuring projects meet quality and delivery target
• Drive Program Risk Management processes including mitigation plans and reports
• Support proposal development activities
• Support related business growth opportunities
• Monitor and report all appropriate program expenditures
• Review validity of schedules, budgets, risks and actions submitted by program teams and outside parties contributing to the program
• Lead management, program team and customer meetings and document meeting minutes
• Monitor actual progress, compare to baseline and report progress against schedule and budget as well as analyze and report trends and budget or schedule risk
• Review contracts and solicitations to identify budget and schedule requirements and constraints and forecast the impact of proposed change

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ensures 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Other duties / responsibilities as assigned by leadership

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

N/A

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree, in Engineering or related discipline; MS or MBA preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification; or obtain within one year of placement

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3 years' Programs of Record (PoR) program management in Aviation/Aerospace/Defense industry

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Lawful US Person (ITAR restriction)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment; appropriate sense of urgency in resolving challenges
• Working experience with project and program management tools
• Understanding of engineering principles combining hardware, software, and mechanical assembly, and systems engineering principles
• Proficiency in project management methodologies such as project management planning, tracking, and adjustment
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Solid working knowledge of FAR's and DFAR's
• Risk identification and management
• Formal and informal presentation skills include the creation and delivery of materials which convey timely and important information and data to leadership and other stakeholders
• Develop and maintain business relationships
• Excellent problem-solving skills, sound judgment, initiative and creativity
• Excellent interpersonal communication, influencing, team leadership, and organizational skills
• High degree of integrity throughout all areas of internal and external business activity
• Intermediate skills related to computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite; experience with D365 and PWA is very helpful
• Cross functionally collaborates on proposal generation, management and negotiation
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time
• Working knowledge of organizational constructs and dynamics, earned value management principles, manufacturing requirements planning, and business/proposal/contracts strategies

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting much of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Routine and extensive use of a computer.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is available here:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

CED's EEO Policy Statement is available here: CED EEO Policy Statement

CED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to HR@ced.us.com or call (630)969-0620and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.