Program Manager

We are seeking a dynamic Project Manager to support a growing portfolio of defense manufacturing programs. This role involves managing projects for Department of Defense customers, focusing on cable assemblies, wire harnesses, box builds, and other complex electromechanical systems. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing programs from contract award through final delivery, serving as a key liaison between customers and internal stakeholders.

• Manage multiple defense manufacturing programs from contract award through final delivery.
• Serve as a liaison between customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and program execution.
• Take ownership of schedule, cost, communication, risk management, and overall program execution.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure on-time and within-budget project delivery.
• Support contract reviews, customer communications, status reporting, and cross-functional coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
• Help improve and refine processes across departments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Manage programs valued between $15M and $25M while maintaining strong customer relationships.

• Cradle-to-grave project/program management experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong customer-facing communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
• P&L ownership and budget management experience.
• Ability to coordinate across Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Production, and Quality departments.
• Experience operating in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and changing priorities.
• Experience leading projects from kickoff/contract review through delivery.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, including resource allocation and Gantt chart development.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.

• PMP certification.
• Experience with Defense/DoD programs.
• Experience with Priority ERP systems.
• Experience in cable assembly, wire harness, box build, or electronics manufacturing.
• Experience building or improving processes within a growing organization.
• Experience supporting contract reviews and customer requirements.
• Experience managing programs ranging from $15M–$25M.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to handle pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to influence without authority across multiple departments.
• Comfortable in a highly collaborative environment.
• Strong executive-level communication skills.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Experience serving as the primary customer point of contact is highly desirable.

Our organization offers a collaborative environment where Project Managers work closely with leadership and have significant influence over program success. We provide an opportunity to own highly visible defense programs from start to finish, with no travel requirements. The company is a stable, growing defense manufacturer with approximately 100 employees. The role offers high levels of autonomy and ownership, allowing you to build and improve processes rather than simply maintain existing systems.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Windsor Mill, MD.

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $62.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Windsor Mill,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.