Engineering Program Lead
nd defenseEast Lansing (MI)
About the role
Job Description:
ND Defense is seeking an Engineering Program Lead to oversee the full-lifecycle management of military and government vehicle programs. This role drives the planning, execution, and delivery of complex defense vehicle systems - including tactical wheeled vehicles, armored platforms, and ground mobility solutions, in compliance with U.S. government acquisition regulations and contractual requirements.
The Engineering Program Lead serves as the primary leader for program technical planning and execution and representing ND Defense program technical direction to government customers (DoD, Army, Marine Corps, DLA), and prime contractor partners. The role requires a combination of systems engineering expertise, program management discipline, defense acquisition knowledge, and a forward-looking ability to leverage AI and agentic technologies to optimize engineering workflows and program execution.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Systems Engineering & Technical OversightProvide systems engineering leadership across vehicle subsystems including drivetrain, suspension, armor/protection, electrical/electronic architecture, C4ISR integration, and survivability.
Oversee requirements management, ensuring traceability from customer requirements through design, verification, and validation.
Lead product and configuration definition of COTS and adapted vehicle/mission systems; review and approve drawings, specifications, trade studies, test plans, and qualification reports.
Drive failure analysis and corrective action processes (FMEAs, 8D reports, corrective action plans).
Support proposal development including BOE generation, technical volumes, and risk analyses.
Program Leadership & ExecutionLead end-to-end technical program execution for military ground vehicle development and production contracts across wheeled vehicle platforms.
Partner with Program Management to develop, maintain, and execute Program Management Plans (PMP) aligned with contractual milestones and government CDRLs.
Drive and oversee the Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for programs.
Manage program budgets, cost-at-completion forecasts, variance reporting, and team member task execution.
Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, test & evaluation, and quality assurance to ensure on-time program delivery.
Chair or support program reviews including PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, and milestone decision briefings.
Government & Customer InterfaceServe as the primary technical POC for government PMOs, Contracting Officers, and CORs, interfacing with agencies such as U.S. Army TACOM, GVSC, AMC, and NAVFAC.
Manage relationships with prime contractors and respond to RFIs, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and Program Review packages.
Ensure compliance with all contract requirements, SOW deliverables, quality clauses, and applicable military standards (MIL-SPEC, MIL-STD).
AI & Process OptimizationIdentify and implement opportunities to apply AI and agentic technologies to streamline engineering processes, automate routine program management tasks, and improve decision-making efficiency.
Stay current on emerging AI tools and methodologies relevant to defense engineering and program execution, and champion their adoption where appropriate.
Risk, Compliance & ReportingMaintain program Risk & Opportunity registers and develop risk mitigation plans.
Ensure full compliance with ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS, and other government acquisition and export control regulations.
Prepare and deliver program status reports, metrics dashboards, and executive briefings.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in defense or automotive program/engineering management, preferably supporting U.S. government vehicle or ground systems programs.
Demonstrated experience applying AI or agentic technologies to optimize or automate engineering processes or program management workflows.
Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, JIRA, Deltek Costpoint, or equivalent EVM software).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience managing military and government vehicle programs through full acquisition lifecycle.
Knowledge of applicable military standards (MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-461, MIL-DTL-901, STANAG 4569, AV9660, etc.).
PMP certification or DAU Pro
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