Program Manager (Defense Systems)

Company: X-Bow Systems
Location: Athens
Posted on: February 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job title: Program Manager (Defense Systems) Location: Salt Lake City, UT; Luling, TX; Huntsville, AL; Sacramento, CA Overview: This position carries dual responsibilities in the X-Bow Defense Systems Sector. The primary responsibilities will focus on managing all Sector support to the X-Bow Business Development Directorate in developing proposals, rough orders of magnitude, White Papers, and any other products generated in support of capturing new businesses. As such, you will coordinate Defense Systems resources including all efforts being supported, balancing and assigning resources, tracking resources expenditures and schedules, and ensuring success of the support efforts. As a Program Manager, you will be given the opportunity to direct and manage rocket motor and launch system development programs from initial customer interaction through final delivery. This position requires self-motivated, highly skilled program managers using all PM-related skills to develop and manage programs with minimal oversight and guidance on timelines shorter than usual in the industry. Expected responsibilities for this position include: Bids and Proposals Manager Serve as primary Defense Systems contact to the X-Bow Business Development Directorate. Identify and track upcoming Bids and Proposal activities potentially requiring Defense Systems Sector support. Work with Defense Systems Divisions to develop and track resource assignments and ensure successful support and balanced workloads. Directly support proposal development and/or editing of Defense Systems proposal contributions. Program Planning and Execution: Develop comprehensive program plans that outline goals, timelines, resources, and budget requirements. Oversee the execution of program plans, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Team Leadership and Resource Management: Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain across different projects within the program. Manage resources effectively, ensuring optimal allocation to meet program objectives. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for all program stakeholders, including team members, executives, and government representatives and external partners. Communicate program progress, challenges, and outcomes to relevant stakeholders, maintaining transparency and collaboration. Risk Management and Problem Solving: Identify, analyze, and mitigate risks that may impact program objective particularly those related to requirements, technical and manufacturing challenges. Resolve complex issues and conflicts within the program, applying effective problem-solving skills. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure program activities comply with organizational standards, industry regulations, and government requirements. Implement quality assurance processes to maintain high standards in program deliverables, including rigorous design, analysis, testing and validation of solid rocket motors. Continuous Improvement: Evaluate program performance and identify areas for improvement. Implement best practices and lessons learned into future program phases and company-wide initiatives. Required Experience and Skills Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management, project engineering or control account management (CAM) in the aerospace or defense industry. Technical expertise in solid rocket motor design, development, and manufacturing highly desired. Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical) or a related field. A Master's degree or PMP certification is advantageous. Experience in proposal development and management in a relevant field. Strong understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and tools. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Location Requirements Vicinity of existing X-Bow offices to include Salt Lake City, UT; Luling, TX; Huntsville, AL; Sacramento, CA Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Keywords: X-Bow Systems, Murfreesboro , Program Manager (Defense Systems), Executive , Athens, Tennessee