Description

Technical Program Lead Defense Manufacturing Systems 

The Technical Program Lead Defense Manufacturing Systems will provide strategic and technical leadership for multi-disciplinary teams advancing manufacturing innovation within the defense industrial base. This role focuses on developing, qualifying, and deploying advanced manufacturing processes and technologies that support U.S. defense priorities and particularly in areas such as shipbuilding, submarine construction, and military aircraft production. 

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise, proven program leadership, and a strong understanding of the Department of Navy (DoN) collaboration frameworks. Experience in the Marine Industrial Base (MIB), or prior military or defense-related engineering background, is highly valued. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead complex, cross-functional project teams to deliver high-impact manufacturing R&D programs from concept through deployment. 
• Serve as Principal Investigator on major federally funded initiatives (>$1M annually), partnering with project managers and teams to ensure that all milestones are achieved on time and within budget. 
• Develop and refine technical requirements for multi-step manufacturing sequences and integrated engineering systems. 
• Translate strategic goals into actionable project plans, defining scope, deliverables, and success criteria. 
• Oversee the deployment of advanced technologies in manufacturing environments to improve efficiency, traceability, and quality. 
• Apply innovative, “out-of-the-box” problem-solving to address complex manufacturing challenges. 
• Communicate program progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to internal stakeholders and external partners. 
• Partner with team members, leadership, and partners to build relationships, partnerships, and business opportunities. 

Company Overview: 

CCAM is the center of an ecosystem of collaboration with industry, government, and academia that is focused on helping manufacturers solve real world problems. CCAM works with its partners to develop and deploy new technologies that advance manufacturing and deliver business value.  For many companies, joining CCAM can be the difference between being in front of new technology or behind the curve. 

Our research focuses on building intelligence in manufacturing processes and systems by bringing experienced, multi-disciplinary teams together with advanced digital systems and manufacturing process capabilities as well as new technology to solve industrial challenges.  Whether through new process development, process improvement, new technology development and insertion, system integration and automation, or advanced analytics and AI development, our teams deliver real, usable results. Active research threads include flexible and distributed manufacturing, adaptive automation, cooperative processing, advanced coatings systems, and intelligent repair and replacement through new technologies.   

As an applied research center, CCAM has a very strong, multi-disciplinary resident staff that includes research scientists and engineers, skilled industrial technicians, university faculty, and engineering interns and graduate students. These teams work collaboratively with one another as well as with partner organizations to build new and effective approaches to challenges. Our teammates are highly skilled and innovative problem solvers that are focused on delivering value to our customers every day. 

Benefits Overview: 

• Health, Dental, Vision insurance plan options; eligible on first of month following date of hire. 
• HRA – Health Reimbursement Account (employer funded, covers a portion of the medical deductible). 
• FSA – Flexible spending Account (employee funded, pre-tax). 
• 401k Retirement Plan – Employer contributes 3% of base salary monthly; additional discretionary match up to 7.5% determined annually. 
• Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability insurance (employer funded). 
• 3 weeks paid vacation. 
• 2 weeks paid maternity/paternity/adoption leave.  
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5250.00 per year. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field  
• 8+ years of experience managing or leading technical programs in advanced manufacturing, defense systems, or related fields. 
• Familiar with DoN and defense contractors on product and process qualification activities. 
• Demonstrated strength in strategic questioning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development. 
• Demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex R&D or production environments. 
• Experience developing and executing requirements for engineering or manufacturing systems. 
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables for federal or defense-related projects. 
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills. 
• This position requires access to technology or intellectual property that is subject to export control requirements. Candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline. 
• Prior experience with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, or related defense industrial base (shipbuilding, submarine, or aerospace programs). 
• Background in systems engineering or defense manufacturing integration. 
• Understanding of Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and smart manufacturing technologies. 
• Experience driving changes of Department of Navy’s and Defense Contractors’ product and process qualification activities. 
• Experience engaging with DoW agencies on technical qualification, testing, or certification programs. 

Individual Traits Key to Success at CCAM: 

• Approaches work with a collaborative, team-first mentality; positive, proactive, with a can-do attitude. 
• Genuine enthusiasm for the application of research to manufacturing processes. 
• Excels at problem definition; able to work effectively with open end or ambiguous problems and/or applications. 
• Self-driven and results-oriented, with a clear focus on high quality work performance. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, conveys ideas at both technical and non-technical levels; must be a good listener. 
• Responsible and accountable; able to manage time, cost, and quality to meet project goals. 
• Eager to gain new experience and learn new skills. 

CCAM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CCAM does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.