What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Program Manager (Manufacturing) position at Bright Minds?
Program Manager – Defense/Aerospace Manufacturing
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000/yr Benefits PTO
Bright Minds is seeking a highly experienced Program Manager to lead complex, design-to-finish manufacturing programs within a machine-shop, defense, aerospace, or advanced industrial environment. This role requires a strong technical foundation, full program ownership, and the ability to influence cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams while serving as the primary customer interface.
As a Program Manager, you will coordinate customer requirements, ensure contract and specification compliance, and manage programs from contract receipt through completion. You will lead Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) development, manage program budgets, drive critical-path execution, and oversee major subcontractors and suppliers. Program Managers own financial performance, including EAC reporting and present program health to executive leadership while championing risk mitigation, opportunity capture, and process improvement. You will also mentor junior program managers and support organizational maturity in program management best practices.
Ideal candidates will bring deep experience managing complex design/build projects, leading matrixed teams, navigating FAR/DFAR requirements, and executing within highly engineered manufacturing environments. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, evolving conditions are essential.
Requirements for the Program Manager:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (Business degrees considered)
- 8 years leading complex technical programs in manufacturing, defense, or aerospace
- Direct experience in design/build or complex manufacturing (machine-shop environment strongly preferred)
- PMP Certification (strongly preferred)
- Experience with FAR/DFAR and government contracting
- Proven success managing global subcontractors and suppliers
- Strong skills in MS Office/Office 365 and Microsoft Project
- Strong financial acumen, including program budgets, EACs, and P&L understanding
- Willingness to travel up to 20%
For immediate consideration, please send your updated MS Word resume to msmith@hirebrightminds.com.
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000