Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

Fibertek is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers.

We are seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager (Sr. TPM) to join our team in Herndon, VA. The Sr. TPM is responsible for the successful execution of large-scale electro-optical system development programs, typically with total budget under management of $5-20M/year, including first-of-kind laser, lidar, and laser communication systems for space and airborne applications.

This leadership role requires a hands-on, technically adept program manager who thrives in a fast-paced R&D environment. The Sr. TPM will lead multidisciplinary teams, interfacing directly with government and aerospace customers, and ensuring that program scope, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved. The Sr. TPM also contributes to strategic growth initiatives, guiding proposals and collaborations that advance Fibertek’s mission and technical excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel to achieve program success.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, fostering collaboration and ensuring clear, transparent communication.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans aligned with customer work statements and technical specifications.
• Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle of complex active electro-optical systems, from design through delivery.
• Proactively identify, mitigate, and communicate technical, cost, and schedule risks; develop and execute recovery plans as needed.
• Forecast program resource requirements, including technical workforce, facilities, and equipment needs.
• Define system-level performance parameters and manage the requirements flow-down through all subsystems.
• Provide executive-level briefings on program health, milestones, and challenges.
• Partner with Business Development to define growth opportunities, contribute to proposals, and engage with key customers.

Experience and Expertise Required:

• Proven success managing R&D programs in the defense or aerospace sector with full accountability for cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• US Citizen and eligibility to obtain a US Security Clearance
• Strong written and verbal communication and documentation skills
• Excellent customer interfacing skills
• Familiarity with expectations and collaboration in the context of typical Government development contracts, including organizations such as NASA, US Government defense organizations, and/or aerospace Prime Contractor mission partners
• Demonstrable expertise in laser system concepts and technologies
• Additional expertise in engineering systems and components for aerospace and defense missions
• Bachelors (Master’s or PhD degree preferred) in a relevant engineering or applied-science field
• >10 years professional experience including demonstrated success leading large and diverse technical teams in an engineering organization
• Direct experience with systems engineering, optical or laser system development, and high-reliability aerospace programs
• EVM experienc