Program Manager, Government Manufacturing Contracts

Program Manager, Government Manufacturing Contracts

The Program Manager owns end-to-end execution of U.S. government manufacturing contracts from award through final delivery and closeout. This role coordinates internal functions (engineering, DFM, sourcing, quality, compliance, finance, shipping) and external stakeholders (government customer, DCMA/QAR, suppliers/subcontractors) to deliver parts on time, compliant, and at target margin. Success requires strong program control, manufacturing fluency, and practical knowledge of FAR/DFARS-driven contract requirements.

How You’ll Contribute: 

Contract & Customer Execution

• Serve as the single accountable owner (single POC) for contract performance: schedule, cost, scope, and compliance
• Interpret contract requirements (CLINs, deliverables, CDRLs/data items, inspection/acceptance terms, packaging/marking, shipping instructions)
• Lead customer communications: status reviews, risk escalations, change requests, and delivery commitments

Manufacturing Delivery Leadership

• Build and maintain integrated master schedules (IMS) for production lots, first article, inspection, and shipment milestones
• Drive cross-functional execution: engineering release, process selection, sourcing, capacity planning, production, and logistics
• Manage subcontractors/suppliers: flow down requirements, manage lead times, track WIP, remove blockers, and ensure on-time delivery

Quality & Technical Compliance

• Ensure compliance with quality clauses and inspection requirements (FAI/AS9102 where applicable, source inspection, receiving inspection, certs, traceability)
• Coordinate quality events: First Article Testing, inspections, nonconformance (NCR/MRB), corrective actions (RCCA/8D), and customer dispositions
• Ensure documentation package completeness: CoC, material certs, process certs (heat treat, plating, NDT, etc.), test reports, and objective evidence

Government Contracting Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS clauses and program obligations (flowdowns, record retention, reporting)
• Manage controlled information and cybersecurity requirements (CUI handling, NIST 800-171/CMMC readiness as applicable)
• Support audits and government oversight (DCMA, DCAA support as relevant to program artifacts, cost/schedule evidence)

Risk, Cost, and Change Control

• Maintain risk register; lead mitigation plans for long-lead materials, capacity constraints, quality escapes, and design ambiguity
• Own change management: RFIs, engineering changes, waivers/deviations, and equitable adjustments (in partnership with contracts/legal)
• Track financial performance: earned value style tracking (as appropriate), cost-to-complete, margin impacts, and invoice readiness

Closeout & Continuous Improvement

• Drive contract closeout activities (deliverable completion, final invoicing support, lessons learned)
• Improve standard work for government manufacturing execution (templates, playbooks, supplier requirements, inspection readiness)

What You’ll Bring to Xometry:

• 7–9+ years program management experience in manufacturing (CNC machining, sheet metal, additive, fabrication, assemblies, or industrial production)
• 3–5+ years managing U.S. government contracts (DoD / federal), ideally involving hardware production and quality/inspection requirements
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS fundamentals (deliverables, changes, flowdowns, inspection/acceptance, recordkeeping)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations: routing, work instructions, lead-time drivers, supplier management, and constraints
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage schedules, and deliver under tight timelines
• Experience running quality workflows: FAI, inspection planning, NCR/MRB, RCCA, certificate packages, traceability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable engaging with government stakeholders and auditors
• Proficiency with program tools (Excel/Sheets, MS Project/Smartsheet or similar, ERP/MRP, basic dashboards)

Nice to Have:  

• Experience as a prime contractor program manager (vs. only subcontractor) with full customer-facing ownership
• Familiarity with DCMA engagement (QAR source inspection, QMS expectations) and government acceptance processes
• Experience with DLA-style hardware contracting (NIINs, technical data packages, provisioning, packaging/marking)
• ITAR/EAR controlled work experience (export-controlled drawings, controlled tech data, visitor controls)
• Experience with CUI programs and NIST 800-171 / CMMC implementation coordination
• Knowledge of common manufacturing quality standards: AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP (special processes), AS9102 FAI
• Background in estimating/pricing support and contract change pricing support (REAs, mods)
• Familiarity with MIL-STD packaging/labeling, UID, and shipment compliance for government customers
• Experience managing multi-supplier networks (distributed manufacturing / marketplace / contract manufacturing models)

The estimated base salary range for new hires into this role is $148,000-173,000 annually + bonus depending on factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, and location. We also offer a competitive benefits package, including 401(k) match, medical, dental and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, floating and fixed holidays, maternity and bonding leave; EAP, other wellbeing resources; and much more.