Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

COMPANY- CONFIDENTIAL

Tucson Arizona

Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Local Candidates Only

As a federal government contractor all employees must undergo a pre-employment background check and drug screening. This is a designated safety-sensitive position.

The Program Manager oversees and coordinates customer programs within the manufacturing facility, ensuring successful execution from initial planning through production and delivery. The role serves as the primary liaison between internal teams and external customers, coordinating program activities, addressing customer inquiries related to program execution and manufacturing processes, and ensuring program objectives, quality requirements, and delivery commitments are achieved. The Program Manager supports cross-functional collaboration, customer program reviews, and manufacturing process alignment to ensure successful program performance. The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating program schedules, monitoring progress against delivery commitments, and proactively addressing risks to maintain alignment with customer requirements and production timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive project plans outlining objectives, timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Manage and allocate resources efficiently to support project requirements while optimizing cost and maximizing productivity.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Proven experience in project management and quality management systems.
• Oversee multiple project teams, ensuring program goals are reached.
• Ability to manage customer-facing communications and support program execution within regulated manufacturing environments such as aerospace and defense.

Essential Functions

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including production, engineering, quality assurance, and logistics to ensure smooth project execution.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Allocate resources efficiently to support project requirements while optimizing cost and maximizing productivity.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to establish and maintain quality standards throughout the manufacturing process.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders regarding program performance, manufacturing processes, technical coordination, delivery schedules, and program inquiries.
• Facilitate and periodically lead customer program reviews including Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Contract Management Reviews (CMRs), and other program status briefings.
• Provide internal guidance regarding manufacturing processes, product requirements, and program execution to ensure alignment between customer expectations and production capabilities.
• Develop and maintain assembly work instructions and manufacturing documentation to support production activities, ensure consistent manufacturing processes, and maintain compliance with quality standards.
• Support the quoting process by preparing or assisting with cost estimates, schedule inputs, and technical information when quoting resources are limited or additional program knowledge is required.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
• Analyze performance metrics and KPIs to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for project stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, milestones, and deliverables.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between internal teams, external vendors, and customers.
• Address stakeholder concerns and resolve conflicts in a timely and professional manner.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work area.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software applications.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) is a plus.
• Experience supporting programs within the aerospace and defense industry, including familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments and customer program reviews, is preferred.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Be able to move around the manufacturing plan to oversee project activities, interact with team members, and inspect production processes. This may involve walking, standing, and occasionally climbing stairs or ladders.
• Manual dexterity is required for tasks such as handling equipment or materials, conducting inspections, or assisting with troubleshooting.
• Ability to lift or carry objects of moderate weight.
• Good visual acuity and ability to identify any defects or abnormalities.
• Stamina to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Life Insurance
• Vision
• Short-term disability
• 401K and profit sharing plans.

Pay: $79,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $79,000 - $90,000