Principal Technical Project Manager – Tactical Communications
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Security Clearance: Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required
Relocation Assistance: Provided
Lead the Future of Tactical Communications
Are you an experienced technical project leader who thrives at the intersection of engineering, program execution, and customer engagement?
We are seeking a Principal Technical Project Manager – Tactical Communications to lead a cross-functional Integrated Product Team developing next-generation secure communication technologies. This is an opportunity to take ownership of complex programs from early-stage technology development through system integration, accreditation, qualification, and full-rate production.
You’ll work alongside talented systems, software, hardware, and program professionals to turn emerging technologies into mission-critical capabilities supporting government and defense customers. Your leadership will directly influence program strategy, technical execution, customer relationships, and the successful delivery of advanced aerospace and defense solutions.
Why This Role Stands Out
Lead high-impact programs supporting critical government and defense missions.
Own the full development lifecycle, from early concepts and trade studies through production.
Lead a talented, multidisciplinary team of engineering and technical professionals.
Work directly with customers and senior leadership, presenting technical and program information and facilitating major reviews and demonstrations.
Shape next-generation communications technology in a rapidly evolving aerospace and defense environment.
Expand your technical and leadership expertise through exposure to advanced systems, influential technical leaders, and complex customer programs.
Build a long-term career within a growing organization with opportunities for advancement and professional development.
What You’ll Do
As the Principal Technical Project Manager, you will provide technical and program leadership while coordinating efforts across multiple engineering disciplines.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead cross-functional product development efforts for tactical communications systems and solutions.
Manage an Integrated Product Team through the complete systems development lifecycle.
Partner directly with external customers to understand needs, communicate progress, and deliver solutions.
Lead technical activities including trade studies, system architecture and design, requirements definition and allocation, requirements traceability, integration, verification, and qualification.
Develop and manage program schedules, including support of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
Monitor program cost and schedule performance using metrics such as SPI and CPI, with experience utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
Coordinate engineering teams and functional organizations to achieve key program milestones.
Plan and facilitate customer demonstrations, technical reviews, and program reviews both onsite and offsite.
Support and lead proposal and business development efforts.
Communicate complex technical and program information effectively to customers, program leadership, and executive stakeholders.
Travel approximately 10% as needed.
What You’ll Bring
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 8+ years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
At least 2 years of experience with systems development, including requirements capture, system design, requirements decomposition, integration, and verification/validation.
At least 1 year of demonstrated leadership on large-scale programs across the full development lifecycle.
Strong knowledge of project management methodologies such as Waterfall and/or SAFe Agile.
Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program financial/schedule performance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in an Agile development environment.
Proven ability to present complex technical information to program management, customers, and executive leadership.
Experience working in aerospace, defense, space, or other highly regulated engineering environments.
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or Integrated Product Teams.
Experience supporting customer demonstrations, technical reviews, and proposal activities.
Grow Your Career While Working on Technology That Matters
This role provides more than project management experience—you’ll have the opportunity to become a recognized technical and program leader within a sophisticated aerospace and defense organization.
You’ll collaborate with experienced systems engineers, space and communications specialists, government customers, and cross-functional technical teams while gaining exposure to a broad portfolio of advanced products and technologies.
If you’re ready to take on complex challenges, lead talented teams, and help bring the next generation of secure tactical communications capabilities to life, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
What We Offer
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and additional retirement contributions
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan repayment assistance
Life and disability insurance
Parental, birth, and adoption leave
Adoption assistance
Fertility and family-planning resources
Employee Assistance Program, including counseling resources
Wellness and incentive programs
Virtual healthcare options
Child and elder care resources
Optional pet, home, auto, legal, identity theft, and additional insurance coverage
Relocation assistance may be available
And more
About the Team
Our Mission Systems organization develops intelligent, secure solutions that enable military, government, aerospace, and civilian customers to accomplish some of their most challenging missions. Our portfolio includes secure communications, missionized aircraft and spacecraft systems, and collaborative space solutions.
By joining the team, you’ll have a direct role in developing technologies that help customers succeed today while preparing them for the missions of tomorrow.
If you’re an experienced technical project leader looking for the opportunity to lead complex programs, work with cutting-edge technology, and make an impact on critical national missions, we want to hear from you.
Apply now and take the next step in your career.
This is an onsite position in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The salary range is $107,500–$204,500, with actual compensation determined by factors including experience, education, skills, responsibilities, and location. Eligible employees may also receive incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
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