Principal Program Manager - Aerospace and Defense

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a Principal-level Software Program / Project Manager who is ready to work with a talented team to provide innovative solutions for tomorrow’s problems. A successful candidate will lead a team of talented software engineers to meet customer requirements within allocated cost and schedule commitments. 

This position requires the candidate to lead the onsite engineering team and manage the project.

Why us?

Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA and Fort Worth, TX, the Thompson Software Solutions team understands what is required to develop, integrate, test, and deploy software with a safety-critical pedigree while meeting the challenges of modernization and digital transformation. As a defense-focused software company of proven and dedicated employees, we take pride in our ability to react quickly and produce quality solutions to difficult technical challenges.  

We work with the top aerospace and defense partners to find the right path to meet operational needs while future-proofing systems with portability and sustainment considerations to ensure next-generation success.    

What We Need To See

Program & Project Leadership 

• Lead the successful delivery of multiple programs and projects spanning technical and administrative departments, including customer-driven, product partnership, and internal development initiatives. 

• Establish and maintain detailed work plans, ensuring project assumptions, objectives, and constraints are well understood. 

• Coordinate geographically distributed teams working on complex embedded software and hardware systems in defense, aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. 

• Execute projects according to AS9100-certified processes & procedures. 

Planning & Execution 

• Support resource and schedule forecasting to accurately estimate project needs for quotation activities. 

• Assist in developing project proposals, Statements of Work (SOWs), milestone deliverables, and timelines. 

• Identify, prioritize, and mitigate project risks while maintaining alignment with evolving program priorities. 

• Track and drive resolution of cross-functional issues, ensuring effective communication with stakeholders and customers. 

• Manage stakeholder expectations throughout the project to minimize unexpected challenges. 

Process & Continuous Improvement 

• Contribute to improvements in processes, policies, budgeting, tools, and methodologies to drive operational excellence and innovation. 

• Leverage project activities to facilitate knowledge capture, transfer, and management efforts. 

• Improve and utilize work management tools, templates, and software for reliable project data and better decision-making. 

Reporting & Communication 

• Conduct periodic project reviews and provide dashboard reports on project health. 

• Clarify and communicate resource needs, trade-offs, and execution priorities across teams. 

• Ensure that both internal stakeholders and customers are engaged and informed throughout project execution. 

Basic Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering, or equivalent technical experience. 

• 10 years of experience in program management within Aerospace and Defense, including avionics and DO-178C certification in an AS9100 environment. 

• Strong organizational, communication, collaboration, persuasion, and team-building skills. 

• High level of accountability, integrity, and a strong work ethic. 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a highly cross-functional and fast-paced environment. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including SharePoint, Teams, and Visio. 

• 5 years of experience with Microsoft Project. 

• 5 years of experience with Atlassian suite (Jira, Confluence). 

• Willingness to travel globally, up to 25%. 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. 

• Up to 75-100% onsite. 

Ways To Stand Out From The Crowd

• Experience as an embedded software developer (C, C ) and/or knowledge of graphics and compute frameworks (OpenGL SC, Vulkan SC). 
• Experience with DO-178C certification within an AS9100 environment is a plus  
• Advanced degree/certification in project/program management (PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP). 
• Expertise in managing technically specialized, geographically distributed personnel in a matrix management environment. 
• Experience facilitating embedded software engineering teams through a combination of Waterfall and Agile processes.  
• Experience in developing SOWs, capacity planning, client engagement, scheduling, and risk management. 
• Familiarity with Waterfall and Agile methodologies in embedded software engineering. 
• Knowledge of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and software development best practices. 
• Experience with automotive, safety-critical software, and Functional Safety (ISO 26262). 
• Master’s degree in engineering and/or Business. 

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• 401k Match
• Flexible hours
• Flexible PTO

Thompson Software Solutions is a Lynx Software Technologies, Inc. company and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We base our employment decisions entirely on business needs, job requirements, and qualifications—We have zero tolerance for any kind of discrimination, and we are looking for candidates who share those values. Here at Lynx, it is our mission to create and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, no matter what an employee's: Ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, religion, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, national origin, veteran status thus providing a positive work employee experience.