Senior Project Manager & Project Controls Lead (Defense Services)

About EMA:
Electro Magnetic Applications, Inc. (EMA) is a leader in physics-based simulation and testing for aerospace, defense, and commercial clients. Our multidisciplinary teams develop cutting-edge solutions in electromagnetics, 3D modeling, validation testing, and more. With 70+ employees and over 40 active projects at any time, EMA is expanding rapidly, and we are seeking experienced project leadership to support this growth.

Position Overview:
EMA is seeking a seasoned Project Manager and Project Controls Lead to support two mission-critical roles:

• Project Management Support of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar defense services program involving 3D simulation and physical validation testing of a high-performance aerospace platform, in partnership with one of the largest U.S. DoD prime contractors.
• Project Controls Support across EMA’s broader portfolio of 40–50 concurrent engineering services projects, ensuring rigorous planning, budgeting, and schedule management across the organization.

This is a senior-level, high-impact role requiring 10–25 years of experience in technical project management, preferably in the aerospace/defense sector, with a proven ability to lead complex government programs involving multiple stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management (50%)

• Serve as the Program Manager for a complex, multi-million-dollar defense project involving electromagnetic simulation, modeling, and test validation.
• Manage a team of 6 full-time engineers and analysts, aligning technical execution with project milestones, budgets, and reporting requirements.
• Act as the primary liaison between EMA, the DoD prime contractor, and government customers, ensuring consistent communication and alignment.
• Lead planning, resource allocation, technical milestone tracking, and formal delivery of customer-facing documentation and reports.

Project Controls Support (50%)

• Oversee project tracking systems for 50+ concurrent EMA service projects, improving consistency in scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
• Support project managers in developing and refining resource allocations, labor tracking, burn rate analysis, and forecast reviews.
• Collaborate closely with business operations and technical leads to maintain real-time visibility on program health.
• Assist in training and mentoring EMA’s project staff in project control best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• 10–25 years of experience managing large, complex technical projects—preferably in aerospace or defense services.
• Demonstrated success navigating relationships with DoD agencies, prime contractors, and internal technical teams.
• Strong background in both technical program leadership and project controls methodologies (e.g., EVM, WBS, milestone tracking).
• Bachelor’s degree required (engineering or technical field preferred).
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, with an active security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in dynamic, multi-stakeholder environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing projects involving simulation, modeling, or validation testing of aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Celoxis, or similar project control platforms.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS compliance and typical government acquisition workflows.

Apply Today:
Join a growing, technically elite team at EMA, where your expertise in both project management and project controls will directly shape the future of national defense and advanced aerospace systems.

All employees of EMA must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State in order to conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Learn more about the ITAR here: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public.

EMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; EMA determines employment on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point during the application or employment process, please contact us through the job application messenger. We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for all.

Employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• EMA handles ITAR information, which requires all of our employees to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent residents (green card holders). Can you confirm that you meet this requirement?
• This position would be in person 5 days a week. Is that something you're comfortable with?
• EMA supports various government contracts, including those involving the Department of Defense. Is this something that you would be comfortable with?

Security clearance:

• Confidential (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Lakewood, CO 80228 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lakewood, CO 80228: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person