Senior Program Manager - Development

American Rheinmetall (AR) is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets at the speed of need. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Location: Fully onsite in Auburn Hills, MI

Job Summary:

The Senior Program Manager (PM) – Development position is instrumental in the product development lifecycle of the program and will focus on engineering development (i.e. Survivability, Structures, Mobility, Aux IPT’s) and the corresponding testing phases of the program solution as it matures and develops from engineering design to vehicle build and test. The position will also focus on integration within the digital, mechanical and electrical connectivity and functionality to program requirements. The role will at times also be responsible for leading proposal efforts providing support and oversight required for the program of execution. This role is responsible for leading a multi-disciplined and cross-functional team to ensure monitoring and controlling practices including cost and schedule management, planning, resource coordination, risk management, relationship management, and decision making. The PM – Development is responsible for growing AR’s capability and successfully delivering key program objectives within the US defense market.

Essential Functions:

• Direct support to Combat Vehicle Program Director and other Combat Vehicle Programs.

• Lead a team by example, ensuring adherence to all agreed process and operating procedures.

• Working with key stakeholders continuing to mature the organizational structure within the AR team to promote clear responsibilities and opportunities for team members to succeed in their roles.

• Support the continued development and maturation of AR Program Management tools and processes.

• Contribute toward AR Capture and Proposal teams in the development of compliant and winning proposals.

• Support delivery and control of small-scale project/projects.

• Manage program data elements to ensure on-time delivery to the USG customer, and that configuration of the documents is maintained using Company Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.

• Manage data transfers between AR and its subcontractors and vendors

• Generate program metrics to support monitoring and control

• Continuous improvement of processes/efficiencies as well as product portfolio.

• Ability to travel to Germany and other sites in the US and abroad as required.

• Undertake other duties as tasked by the Program Director or their delegate.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None – could develop in the future.

Minimum Qualifications:

Specific knowledge that can be determined objectively; suggested vocabulary below

• Communication: Must be able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings and be able to assimilate complex instructions easily. Ability to communicate with all levels of management and staff to establish productive relationships. Superior consultation, diplomacy, influencing and negotiating skills are required. Must possess the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to someone less knowledgeable about the topic.

• Strategic Thinking and Decisive Judgment: Must demonstrate an enthusiasm to engage with and support overseas colleagues to ensure all staff have the information and opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.

• Teamwork: Must promote collaboration and facilitate teamwork across the organization and its external service providers. Must be tactful, diplomatic, and work with integrity, honesty, and respect for others.

• Client Oriented: Must display exceptional listening and analytical skills to understand client concerns and needs with the ability to respond promptly and effectively to those needs.

• Leadership: Shall support and encourage performance by motivating individuals and teams to achieve high performance. Will clarify and define the goals and strategies of the organization and successfully communicate this to all. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to work effectively with the US team, suppliers, customers, and corporate parent staff.

• Drive for Results: High level of self-motivation and standards with the ability to multi-task; balancing "analysis" with "doing". Must be adaptable and able to prioritize and work under pressure to meet deadlines. Work on one’s own initiative.

Education & Experience

• BSc in Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology, Vehicle Technology, Systems Engineering or equivalent work experience

• 10+ Years’ Experience in delivering large complex US Defense programs, preferably in vehicle development domain

• Experience in capture, bid contract negotiations, and planning delivery.

• Experience with program management tools such as Earned Value Management, DELTEK Suite of Program Management Tools, MS Project, SAP - Proficient in Microsoft Office tools

• Experience in working with large cross-functional teams, varying in discipline (Engineering, Product Support, etc.), gathering information for submittal.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills

Background Prerequisites:

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing. Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain suitability requirements for access to classified information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to speak German; Certificate i.e. IPMA – (Level A,B) required / strongly desired

• Training in PMP, Agile, Systems Engineering

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplined, multi-company, geographically distributed team

• Experience in USG Defense deliverable systems, such as ARCUS

• Experience with encryption software helpful

• Knowledge of import and export regulations helpful (ex. ITAR regulations)

• Experience with reviewing documentation for data marking compliance

• Knowledge of DoD processes, and working on US Army programs

• 5+ years minimum data management experience

• Prior experience with system engineering practices to ensure the proper degree of engineering rigor is applied to all assigned tasks

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to support travel of up to 25%. Traveling to Germany and other sites in the US and abroad as required.

• Ability to perform job in a workspace (close proximity to others)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.