Senior Operations Program Manager
Dynamic and results-driven Senior Aerospace & Defense Program Manager with a proven track record of leading high-value programs ($1.2B+), optimizing complex manufacturing systems, and delivering strategic operational excellence. Adept at turning around underperforming programs, leading cross-functional teams, and driving cost-effective, high-quality production in fast-paced, high-stakes environments with an active security clearance.

by Maxwell Tyler

Professional Experience & Qualifications
As a senior manager of operations program I manage a team of 6 program managers supporting 3 major programs. Program 1 is $100M Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Program 2 is in the last 19 months with a value of $560M Firm Fixed Price (FFP), and a 3rd Firm Price Incentive Firm Target (FFPIF) worth $1.2B with incentives worth another $700M over the full life cycle in highly specialized nuclear propulsion generation.
20+ Years of Manufacturing & Program Management Experience
Extensive experience in aerospace, marine, and defense sectors with proven success managing multi-million dollar programs
Team Leadership Excellence
Led interdisciplinary teams of 50+ personnel, ensuring optimal staffing, development, integration, and performance
Financial Management Expertise
Successfully managed programs worth $1.2B+ while maintaining strict budgetary controls and financial accountability
Industry Certifications
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Cost Account Manager (CAM) Certification, and Project Management International (PMI) Certification
Leadership Philosophy
My management style is rooted in the teaching of W.E. Deming and founded on Lance Secretan's "What Great Leaders Do-Inspire" philosophy. I believe in creating an environment where team members are empowered to innovate, take ownership, and excel in their roles.
As a business owner and team leader, I've learned that true leadership is about inspiring others to achieve their best while maintaining focus on mission-critical objectives. My approach combines strategic vision with hands-on guidance, ensuring that every team member understands their value and contribution to our collective success.
I foster a culture of continuous improvement, open communication, and mutual respect. By connecting individual skills with business objectives, I help team members see the direct impact of their work on program success and client satisfaction.
Key Accomplishments & Skills
Program Turnaround
Turned around underperforming aerospace programs, ensuring 100% on-time delivery for mission-critical contracts.
Team Building
Built and led high-performance teams, driving cross-functional alignment and operational excellence.
Financial Management
Managed $1.2B+ in Nuclear Marine programs, balancing cost, schedule, and technical execution.
Operational Excellence
Directed daily operations of a 1.4 million sq Ft Gas Turbine Generator manufacturing plant, driving efficiency in production, quality control, and facilities management.
Strategic Leadership
Provided strategic leadership across production, inspection, facilities, and machinery operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives and protocols.
Process Optimization
Implemented lean manufacturing processes, driving efficiency, reducing waste, and achieving operational excellence in high-tolerance machining environments.
30-60-90 Day Action Plan
First 30 Days: Assessment & Relationship Building
  • Conduct deep dive review of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)
  • Perform comprehensive gap analysis of current program execution vs. requirements
  • Meet with all key stakeholders, team members, and customers
  • Review existing risk management processes and documentation
  • Assess team capabilities and identify development opportunities
  • Evaluate current program metrics and reporting mechanisms
Days 31-60: Strategy Development & Implementation
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies for identified gaps
  • Refine program management processes and tools
  • Implement enhanced configuration management program
  • Establish formal Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) process
  • Optimize resource allocation across the program
  • Develop team training plan to address skill gaps
  • Enhance customer communication protocols
Days 61-90: Optimization & Forward Planning
  • Implement refined program execution strategy
  • Establish long-term risk management framework
  • Develop continuous improvement initiatives
  • Refine budget and resource forecasting
  • Implement enhanced performance metrics
  • Present comprehensive program status to leadership
  • Develop strategic roadmap for program success
Program Management Approach

Identify
Comprehensive assessment of requirements, risks, and opportunities

Plan
Strategic planning with clear milestones and resource allocation

Execute
Disciplined implementation with continuous monitoring

Measure
Rigorous performance tracking against established metrics

Improve
Ongoing refinement based on lessons learned and changing conditions
My approach to program management combines rigorous planning with adaptive execution. I believe in establishing clear baselines while maintaining the flexibility to respond to changing conditions. By implementing robust risk management processes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I ensure that programs remain on track despite challenges.
As a business owner and team leader, I've developed a keen understanding of how to balance technical requirements with financial constraints. I empower my team to take ownership of their areas of responsibility while providing the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
Risk Management Strategy
Risk Identification
Comprehensive assessment of potential program risks across technical, schedule, and cost domains
  • Stakeholder interviews
  • Historical data analysis
  • Technical reviews
  • Supply chain evaluation
Risk Analysis
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of identified risks
  • Probability determination
  • Impact assessment
  • Risk prioritization
  • Interdependency mapping
Risk Mitigation
Development of specific strategies to address high-priority risks
  • Preventive measures
  • Contingency planning
  • Resource allocation
  • Schedule buffers
Risk Monitoring
Ongoing surveillance and reporting of risk status
  • Regular risk reviews
  • Trigger identification
  • Status reporting
  • Mitigation effectiveness assessment
Drawing from my experience as a business owner and team leader, I've developed a comprehensive approach to risk management that emphasizes early identification and proactive mitigation. By involving the entire team in the risk management process, I ensure that we leverage collective expertise to address challenges before they impact program performance.
Why I'm the Ideal Candidate
I am uniquely qualified for the Senior Space Program Manager position based on my 20+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing and defense program management. My proven track record of leading high-value programs, including a $1.2B FFPIF program with $700M in incentives in specialized nuclear propulsion, directly aligns with the requirements of this role.
As a business owner and team leader, I've developed the skills necessary to manage interdisciplinary teams, optimize resource allocation, and ensure program execution within cost, schedule, and performance constraints. My experience with Firm Fixed Price contracts, Agile methodologies, and Digital Engineering provides me with the technical foundation needed to excel in this position.
My leadership style, rooted in the teachings of W.E. Deming and Lance Secretan's "What Great Leaders Do-Inspire" philosophy, enables me to build high-performing teams that consistently deliver exceptional results. I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence that will drive success.
20+
Years Experience
In aerospace and marine manufacturing operations program management
$1.2B+
Program Value
Successfully managed
100%
On-Time Delivery
For mission-critical contracts
Let's Launch Your Program to New Heights
I'm ready to bring 20+ years of aerospace expertise to your team. My proven leadership approach will drive mission success from day one.
Contact me to discuss how my experience in managing complex aerospace and nuclear programs can benefit your organization.
  • Email: maxwell.tylerjr@gmail.com
  • Phone: (463) 249-6496
Let's schedule a conversation about your program objectives and how I can help achieve them.