Full-Time

Program Manager

Posted on 2/14/2026

Ultra

Ultra

1,001-5,000 employees

Delivers defense technology for rapid decisions

Compensation Overview

$101k - $126k/yr

Company Does Not Provide H1B Sponsorship

Canandaigua, NY, USA

In Person

Category
Business & Strategy (1)
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related field) or equivalent work experience.
  • Nationality requirements: Candidates must be eligible to obtain the relevant security clearance required for the role.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management within development engineering, design engineering, or a related technical field, preferably within defense, aerospace, or a highly regulated industry.
  • Proven experience leading engineering development or design engineering projects from concept through delivery.
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and integration processes.
  • Solid experience in managing project teams, schedules, budgets, and resources.
  • Experience in managing cross-functional teams (including design engineers, quality assurance, procurement, etc.).
  • Solid knowledge of engineering development processes, including design, prototyping, testing, and integration.
  • Familiarity with engineering tools (e.g., CAD software, project management tools, etc.).
  • Strong technical problem-solving abilities and analytical skills.
  • Experience with risk management and developing mitigation plans for engineering projects.
  • Demonstrated expertise in program and project management methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall frameworks.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with experience in managing complex, long-term programs.
  • Excellent time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with budgeting and cost management for large-scale programs.
  • Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and other project tracking methodologies.
  • Strong leadership and team-building abilities, with a proven track record of leading teams to successful program completion.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interface effectively with all levels of management, customers, and technical personnel.
  • Ability to handle challenging and evolving project requirements and priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Responsibilities
  • Manage multiple development programs, ensuring adherence to technical, schedule, and cost objectives.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all program-related matters, both internally and with customers.
  • Lead cross-functional teams, including design engineers, system engineers, and other technical specialists, to ensure successful execution of development programs.
  • Oversee program scheduling, resource allocation, and work breakdown structure (WBS) to ensure timely program delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership in development and design engineering, including coordinating design activities, prototype development, testing, and system integration.
  • Ensure engineering efforts are aligned with customer needs, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
  • Identify and address technical risks, ensuring proper mitigation strategies are in place.
  • Review engineering designs, documents, and deliverables for quality and compliance with specifications.
  • Coordinate communication and reporting between project teams, senior management, and external stakeholders (e.g., customers, suppliers).
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders regarding program status, risks, and changes.
  • Provide regular program updates, including schedule status, budget forecasts, and milestone achievements.
  • Develop and manage detailed project plans, including scope definition, milestone tracking, and resource allocation.
  • Manage program budgets, ensuring that programs are executed within financial constraints.
  • Ensure adherence to project timelines and adjust schedules and resources as necessary to meet project goals.
  • Conduct regular program reviews and lead risk management meetings.
  • Establish and maintain efficient program management processes, adhering to internal and industry standards.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to the continuous improvement of program management practices.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, security, and quality assurance standards.
Desired Qualifications
  • Master’s degree or PMP certification is a plus.
  • Knowledge of defense industry standards and regulations (e.g., ITAR, DFARS, etc.).
  • Familiarity with security clearance processes and understanding of handling classified information.
  • Ability to manage and navigate external customer relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.
  • May be required to maintain security clearance

Ultra Group provides advanced defense and security technology solutions, partnering with governments and defense agencies to address mission-critical challenges. Its products collect and deliver the right data to the right people at the right time, helping decision-makers act quickly in high-stakes situations. The company builds and deploys tailored systems that integrate data, analytics, and communications to support rapid, informed decisions, especially against near-peer threats and other technologically advanced adversaries. Unlike competitors, Ultra Group emphasizes ethical, responsible, and sustainable practices and relies on long-term government contracts to deliver customized, mission-focused solutions. Its ultimate goal is to make the world safer by using technology to improve decision speed and accuracy in defense and security operations.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

London, United Kingdom

Founded

2018

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Maritime reconnaissance market grows at 5.5% CAGR, expanding Ultra's sensor and radar opportunities.
  • UK government mandates Ultra's UK headquarters retention and increased R&D post-2022 acquisition.
  • Cobham acquisition in early 2022 enhances C4ISR/EW capabilities with added resources.

What critics are saying

  • UK MoD terminates contracts due to Ultra Electronics data breach exposing defense IP.
  • Airbus acquires Ultra Cyber Ltd., fragmenting cyber portfolio against L3Harris.
  • L3Harris captures 20% AUKUS maritime contracts, squeezing Ultra from sensor market.

What makes Ultra unique

  • Ultra I&C delivers AI-enabled resilient tactical communications and encryption for multidomain battlespace.
  • Ultra Maritime leads globally in torpedo technologies and modular USV towed array solutions.
  • Ultra powers real-time decision-making with secure data across air, land, sea, and cyber domains.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Paid Vacation

Professional Development Budget

Mental Health Support

Company News

Turke & Strauss LLP
Mar 19th, 2024
Ultra Electronics Data Breach Investigation

Recently, Ultra Electronics discovered that it had experienced a data breach in which sensitive personal information in its systems may have been accessed and acquired.

Executive Mosaic
Oct 10th, 2023
Ultra I&C Appoints Dawn Ohlson as VP Engineering for Ultra Cyber

Ultra I&C appoints Dawn Ohlson as VP Engineering for Ultra Cyber.

Military Embedded Systems
Sep 14th, 2023
Secure encryption, reduced SWaP in demand from DSEi attendees

To enable such trusted mobility Ultra is also getting close to releasing a new product called MAXAM, that is a rebrand of their existing BID\2510\11.

GovCon Wire
Aug 7th, 2023
Bradford Powell appointed C2I president at Ultra intelligence & communications; Jon Rucker quoted

Bradford Powell, a defense industry veteran, has joined Ultra’s intelligence and communications business as president of the command, control and intelligence segment.

GovCon Wire
Jul 21st, 2023
Clif Basnight joins Ultra I&C as strategic technologies VP

Clif Basnight, a 17-year U.S. Army veteran and former vice president at CACI International (NYSE: CACI), has joined Ultra Intelligence & Communications as VP of strategic technologies.

INACTIVE