Engineering Program Manager- Classified

Embark on a journey with QDSS at the forefront of technological innovation as we seek a talented Engineering Program Manager to shape the future of cutting-edge projects and contribute to a culture of excellence and creativity.  What we do matters.  

We are looking for a talented and experienced individual who believes that engineering has the potential to make the impossible, possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. 

As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you. 

This role will need to be local to the Cincinnati, OH area or willing to relocate. Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must have or be able to obtain clearance. 

The successful candidate is detail-oriented and highly collaborative. There will be a significant amount of interaction with the customer’s teams. Listening to the customer’s issues and offering proactive solutions is critical to building a strong relationship. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Personnel management of a team of 15-30 indirect and 6-10 direct employees 

• Manage and develop a customer-focused program with teams on mechanical design, analysis, and product definition with a wide range of experience and expertise 

• Build and manage customer relationships to ensure workload pipeline is full, develop and execute strategies for team growth 

• Follow all Quest Defense policies and procedures to ensure proper employee performance and development (metrics, performance reviews, training plans, etc.) 

• Coordinate growth strategy planning and execution with customer specific account management team(s) 

• Develop innovative ideas to improve cost on customer products / parts (redesign / process improvements) 

• Monitor and improve program health governance structure 

• Manage recruitment initiatives for the team, participate in interviews and onboarding 

• Support proposal development of new tasks (solution development, cost structure, schedule, and scope) 

• Develop internal processes and procedures based on best practices and lessons learned, where applicable 

• Collaborate with resource managers internally and externally to staff projects and ensure workload continuity 

• Contribute and present in project and program reviews 

• Apply technical principles, theories, and concepts to solve a wide range of challenging engineering problems. 

• Technical Program Management (joining kickoffs, develop project plans, templates, reviews) may be required 

• This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will also perform other tasks as assigned. 

Required Skills: 

• The successful candidate is detail-oriented and highly collaborative.  There will be a significant amount of interaction with the customer’s teams.  Listening to the customer’s issues and offering proactive solutions is critical to building a strong relationship with this new customer. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field 

• Personnel and project management experience are required 

• Strong foundation / experience in engineering process services. 

• Hands-on experience with solving problems and leading cross functional teams (CFT’s). 

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills 

• Effective in executive management presentations 

• Excellent networking and relationship building skills 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to forge relationships and build trust both within and external to organization 

• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new methods, techniques, and approaches 

• Demonstrated communication skills 

Desired Skills: 

• 6-12 years of experience in aerospace industry with strong team leadership/relationship management/account management experience. 

• Experience managing business of $2 - $3 Million is desirable 

• Experienced in one of the services you will be managing.  Mechanical Design, Analysis, Tooling, Product Definition. 

• Experienced with working on military aircraft/aero-engines and associated standards 

• Gas Turbine and Defense industry preferred. 

• Experienced with engineering of gas turbine components using CAE tools and hand calculations preferred 

• Work well in a team-oriented, collaborative environment 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment 

• Primarily office-based, requiring on-site presence at the customer facility for 40 hours per week. 

• Extensive telephone, video conferencing and computer work in alignment with industry regulations and procedures. 

• Schedule flexibility to accommodate business deadlines, including occasional early or late hours. 

• Workweek typically follows a 40-hour workweek, with core (required) hours from 9 AM to 4 PM. 

• Capability to use personal transportation to work at customer locations. 

• Heavily regulated industries with strict adherence to procedures 

The physical demands described herein represent those necessary to perform the essential functions of this role successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions