Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense

Domaille Engineering•Rochester, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.
2+ years of work experience in program and/or project management.
Possess a degree in Business, Professional Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline

Nice To Haves

Experience working in contract manufacturing for the Aerospace & Defense industry is preferred, or a related industrial sector.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.