Technical Program Manager – Fielding & Development

About Fairwinds Technologies

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S.-based engineering firm specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), RF Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP). We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems in austere military environments, delivering advanced communications, networking, and IT solutions to defense and civilian agencies worldwide.

Position Overview

Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a Technical Program Manager – International Site Deployment to lead the planning, coordination, and oversight of overseas technical site deployments in support of Department of Defense and commercial customers.

This role manages the full deployment lifecycle for international telecom, SATCOM, and networked infrastructure sites including planning, partner/subcontractor coordination, logistics, site readiness, integration support, and operational turnover.

The Program Manager works closely with engineering teams, logistics providers, installation partners (e.g., AST or local subcontractors), and customer stakeholders to ensure systems are successfully fielded, integrated, and activated in international environments.

This position supports multiple efforts, including DIU task orders and other international deployment initiatives, and reports under the R&D Program Manager IV.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate international deployment activities for telecom/SATCOM or related fielded infrastructure systems
• Lead or support site readiness assessments (power, connectivity, environmental considerations, access, facility preparation)
• Coordinate shipment, logistics, and delivery of equipment to overseas locations
• Oversee and synchronize installation activities executed by partners, subcontractors, or local vendors
• Support integration, testing, and activation by coordinating between engineering teams and on-site personnel
• Collaborate with partner organizations (ex. AST) to ensure site buildout aligns with requirements and schedules
• Support site verification, acceptance, and transition to operational status aligning with DoD requirements
• Coordinate international logistics, shipping, customs, and export compliance with vendors and partners
• Support travel planning and deployment team coordination
• Interface with government reps, local partners, host-nation entities, and commercial site owners
• Track equipment inventory and configuration across deployment sites
• Assist in contingency planning for delays, access issues, or emergent operational risks
• Maintain deployment risk and issue tracking
• Identify site readiness or partner execution risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Elevate critical blockers affecting deployment schedules
• Coordinate technical troubleshooting between engineering teams and on-site personnel
• Track labor and travel expenditures against plan
• Support bi-weekly program status reporting
• Assist with task order execution tracking
• Maintain deployment documentation and configuration records

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or master’s degree) in Engineering, Telecommunications, Operations Management, Logistics or related fields
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in program management, project management, or operations coordination
• Experience supporting telecom, SATCOM, networked systems, or infrastructure programs
• Experience coordinating site deployments or field operations (not necessarily performing installations)
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities and stakeholders
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Willingness to travel internationally
• U.S. Citizenship and an active DoD Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret/ SCI security clearance.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Satellite communications, RF systems, networking, or telecom background
• Experience with overseas installations or field operations
• Familiarity with government or defense programs
• Experience working with installation vendors or subcontractors
• Knowledge of basic networking concepts (IP networking, routers, connectivity)
• Experience with logistics or supply chain coordination
• Experience supporting DoD SBIR projects or similar government-funded R&D efforts.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position requires direct supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment. Some remote/hybrid work is also possible.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position, working Monday through Friday; 40 hours per work week; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel 25–50% (International deployment travel required).

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must be eligible to work in the US and possess a Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects, including DoD SBIR initiatives.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.