Program Manager - Aerospace

Job Summary:

The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating and overseeing customer programs from inception through delivery in a contract machining and manufacturing environment. This role serves as the primary point of contact between the company and its customers, ensuring that quality, schedule, and cost objectives are met while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and internal efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal departments (engineering, production, quality, purchasing).
• Monitor all aspects of customer programs: pricing, scheduling, production planning, delivery, and follow-up.
• Develop and maintain project timelines to ensure milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability and compliance with customer specifications.
• Monitor program performance using key metrics (OTD, cost, and quality), and provide regular status reports to stakeholders.
• Anticipate and resolve potential issues with procurement, scheduling, quality, or customer expectations.
• Lead regular internal and customer-facing meetings to provide updates, facilitate planning, and resolve problems.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts in program execution and customer service.
• Support contract review, risk analysis, and documentation processes for new and ongoing projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a program or project management role, preferably in a machine shop, CNC manufacturing, or aerospace/defense environment.
• Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and MS Office (especially Excel and Project).
• Familiarity with quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001) and job shop manufacturing workflows.
• Self-Starter with ability to execute daily tasks, manage schedule, and resolve issues by engaging the affected parties, with little oversight. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP or similar project management certification.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM files and manufacturing documentation (blueprints, routers, travelers).
• Experience with government or military contracts (DFARS, ITAR).

Work Environment:

• Office and shop floor setting.
• Requires occasional interaction on the production floor (PPE required).
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with changing priorities.