Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Manager plays a critical role in delivering complex, high-tolerance components for the aerospace and defense industry, serving as the primary link between customers and our manufacturing operations. This role leads programs from RFQ through production, leveraging our ultra-precision machining, advanced manufacturing processes, and engineering expertise to deliver reliable, compliant, and innovative solutions. The ideal candidate thrives in a technically rigorous environment, driving execution across cross-functional teams to meet demanding quality, schedule, and performance requirements.

Itar Requirements

This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which restricts access to export-controlled information to U.S. persons. A U.S. person is generally defined as a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or others specifically authorized under U.S. export regulations. General work authorization (e.g., work permit or EAD) or visa sponsorship does not meet ITAR requirements.

Essential Job Functions

Customer Management

• Lead RFQ/RFP responses, coordinating cost, schedule, technical, and risk inputs
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through ongoing communication and site visits as needed.
• Accurately identify customer requirements, assess internal gaps or constraints, and propose effective solutions in collaboration with Manufacturing Production.
• Develop and present written program proposals to customers in partnership with Operations, Engineering, and Quality, leading the customer and internal teams toward optimized solutions.
• Provide timely, consistent communication to customers and internal stakeholders throughout the program lifecycle to ensure objectives and expectations are met.
• Partner with Finance to assess customer creditworthiness, establish appropriate terms, and proactively identify potential credit risks.
• Partner with customers to identify future opportunities aligned with our capabilities.
  
  

Program Management

• Negotiates contracts and contractual changes to ensure legal compliance and protect Our interests
• Manages customer-driven scope changes in coordination with Engineering, Operations, and Contracts
• Ensures program execution aligns with contractual, regulatory, quality, and technical requirements and has a smooth handoff from awarded proposal into program execution.
• Define, document, and manage program deliverables and associated tasks to meet customer requirements, including identifying and mitigating program risks.
• Identify and communicate required resources—including personnel, equipment, capabilities, and external vendors—needed to successfully execute program deliverables.
• Lead cross-functional teams throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring effective internal and external communication, while driving accountability and alignment.
• Proactively identify, track, and manage risks related to customers, programs, and suppliers.
• Lead the resolution of issues with external vendors and coordinate engineering changes to minimize impact on cost, quality, and schedule.
• Monitor program cost, schedule, and quality performance, escalating potential issues and recommending corrective actions to the team and management.
• Prepare and deliver final program reports comparing planned requirements to actual performance.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to management to support continuous improvement and the success of future programs.
  
  

Requirements

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Effective communication skills, including phone-based customer interactions and sales.
• Ability to apply precision machining expertise to develop effective customer solutions while clearly communicating technical concepts and business impact.
• Skilled with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel) and ERP systems such as Global Shop.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a complex product development and production environment.
• Adaptable and proactive, able to work independently and assertively in a rapidly changing environment.
• Motivated, reliable, and accountable, demonstrating tenacity in addressing challenges and following through on complex initiatives to completion.
• Strong interpersonal, business, and technical skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers, management, and external contacts.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience working in contract manufacturing for the Aerospace & Defense industry is preferred, or a related industrial sector.
• 2 years of work experience in program and/or project management.
• Possess a degree in Business, Professional Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline, and PMP Certification and/or Lean Six Sigma or training is preferred.
• Experience with machining processes, metrology instruments, and experimental techniques is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings and technical specifications, with working knowledge of GD&T is preferred.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools (e.g., Mechanical Desktop, SolidWorks) and CAM software (GIBBS) is preferred.
  
  

Full-time Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement with Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off and 10 paid holidays (including your birthday)
• Additional opt in offerings
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an office-based position. While onsite, occasional walks on the production floor may be required to interact with team members. Employees may be exposed to manufacturing areas where personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and composite or steel-toe shoes are required. Ambient conditions include typical plant lighting and machinery operation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sit or stand as needed.
• Walking primarily on a level surface for periods throughout the day.
• Reaching above shoulder height, below the waist, or lifting as required to reach documents or store materials throughout the workday.
• Proper lifting techniques required.
  
  

SAFETY COMPLIANCE

All employees are expected to understand and follow the Company’s safety policies and procedures while performing their job responsibilities. Employees must comply with hazardous waste handling and disposal procedures as required. Adherence to these practices helps protect employees, the workplace, and supports the Company’s business objectives.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Domaille Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All terms and conditions of employment are administered without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion/creed, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

NOTE: This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this position and is not all-inclusive. Duties may change as business needs evolve, and employees may be asked to perform other related tasks. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Employment is at-will and nothing in this description creates or implies a contract.