Program Manager – Middle East Defense Projects

About the role

Harmattan AI is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead defense projects in the Middle East. This client‑facing position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to coordinate cross‑functional teams across Abu Dhabi and France.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the single point of contact for the customer throughout program execution.
• Lead and coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure on‑time, on‑spec delivery of complex, mass‑produced systems.
• Guarantee compliance with contractual, technical, and operational requirements.
• Anticipate risks and manage rapid, structured resolution of issues.
• Own program timelines and trigger invoicing at contractual milestones.
• Track and resolve program‑level blockers, both technical and administrative.
• Align centralized product policies with local program and customer constraints.
• Identify missing enablers and escalate internally to unblock delivery.

Required profile

• 10+ years of program management experience in defence or aerospace, with ownership of €20M+ export contracts in the Middle East.
• Direct exposure to Ministry of Defence‑level customers, understanding of offset, local content, and dual‑use export licensing.
• Engineering degree (aerospace, electrical, systems, or mechatronics).
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, mobile across the Middle East.
• Strong knowledge of defence acquisition processes, program milestones, and compliance.

Required skills

• Project Management (PMP)
• Defense acquisition processes
• Engineering principles (aerospace, electrical, systems, mechatronics)