Deputy Program Manager

Kaman Air Vehicles is seeking a motivated Deputy Program Manager to join our team in Bloomfield, Connecticut. This role works under the general direction of Program Management leadership and supports the cost, schedule, and overall performance of assigned programs.

The Deputy Program Manager will assist and/or stand in for the primary Program Manager as needed and will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program requirements, contractual obligations, and customer expectations are met. This position plays a key role in driving operational excellence, risk management, and customer satisfaction.

• Support the primary Program Manager in managing cost, schedule, scope, and overall program performance.

• Manage the Operator Assurance Program for Kaman helicopter programs.

• Assist in establishing program milestones and monitoring adherence to master plans and schedules.

• Identify program issues, determine root cause and impact, and initiate corrective actions to resolve risks and issues.

• Proactively manage and communicate program progress (milestones to inchstones) with the Integrated Program Team (IPT), functional leadership, KPP leadership, and customers as required.

• Ensure on-time completion of key program management milestones in accordance with leadership expectations.

• Establish and maintain effective communication across functional departments to maintain schedules and resolve issues efficiently.

• Assist in managing internal and external stakeholders to support timely decision-making, close action items, and resolve issues in real time.

• Balance customer expectations with Kaman business objectives to maximize customer satisfaction while minimizing risk.

• Assist in developing operating budgets, program financials, Estimates at Completion (EAC), and Estimates to Complete (ETC).

• Support the identification, preparation, and implementation of cost reduction initiatives.

• Assist with processing internal long-lead funding requests (KISOs).

• Provide program metrics and trend analysis to drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction, including:

  • Risk management

  • Lean events

  • On-time delivery

  • Program status

  • Budget performance

• Assist in the development and execution of program plans aligned with approved Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).

• Develop WBS and project schedules using Microsoft Project in support of small to large-scale proposals.

• Manage program data and ensure all contract data requirements are submitted in accordance with contractual obligations.

• Establish and maintain program files in compliance with company guidelines.

• Assist with internal and external program reviews and technical interchange meetings.

• Apply program leadership in accordance with established program management processes and procedures, including:

  • IPT management

  • Risk management

  • Change control

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required

• 2–5 years of progressive experience leading teams, with a focus on:

  • Program management

  • Project management

  • Project or systems engineering

• CAPM certification required or ability to obtain CAPM within the first year of employment

• Ability to travel as required, including international travel

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Benefits:

At Kaman Air Vehicles (KAV), we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

KAV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires using information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.