Program Manager - Site Launch & Readiness

External • Great Falls, MT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager – Site Launch & Readiness plays a pivotal role in establishing Janicki’s new Montana campus, ensuring the site is operationally ready, financially sound, and aligned with long-term strategic objectives. This role requires exceptional technical fluency, rigorous attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights. This position is located on-site in Great Falls, Montana. This position serves as the central coordination point for all site ‑ launch activities, including cost tracking, production readiness planning, milestone development, and cross-functional alignment. The Program Manager partners closely with engineering, operations, finance, facilities, supply chain, and executive leadership to ensure the Montana expansion is executed on schedule, within budget, and with full transparency. The role also interfaces with local government stakeholders, community partners, and internal executives: preparing and presenting milestone updates, cost summaries, risk assessments, and readiness reports. Success requires strong analytical capability, disciplined program management, and the ability to create order, structure, and clarity in a fast-moving environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or complex industrial environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cost tracking, financial reporting, and schedule performance.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to understand engineering, manufacturing, and facility requirements.
• Proven success managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with cost, schedule, and performance accountability.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience presenting to executives or government stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while maintaining structure and clarity.
• High integrity, professionalism, and discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Experience launching new facilities, production lines, or major capital projects.
• Background in aerospace, defense, space, marine, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Experience developing cost models, burn-down reports, or financial dashboards.
• Familiarity with government engagement, permitting processes, or public-sector reporting.
• PMP, PgMP, Agile, or similar advanced project management certification.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, operations, and facilities.
• Strong financial modeling or cost analysis capability.
• Experience building centralized data systems or program dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Lead Montana site launch - Own the full lifecycle of the site stand-up effort, from planning through operational readiness reporting to executive leadership.
• Develop and maintain production readiness schedules, ensuring all functional teams meet critical path milestones.
• Capture and manage all site-related costs, including capital expenditures, operational ramp-up costs, and burn-down tracking.
• Create and maintain a centralized data environment for schedules, risks, costs, and status reporting.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation plans to protect schedule, cost, and operational objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional resources to ensure engineering, production, facilities, and support teams are aligned and adequately staffed.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, customer expectations, and applicable government requirements.
• Prepare milestone presentations for executive leadership, summarizing cost status, schedule performance, risks, and readiness.
• Develop reporting packages for local government partners, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Translate complex technical and financial data into clear, concise summaries for diverse audiences.
• Maintain proactive communication with leadership, ensuring transparency and expectation alignment.
• Own cost capture and burn-down reporting for the Montana site launch.
• Develop cost models and forecasts to support decision-making and resource allocation.
• Ensure financial accuracy through disciplined documentation, audit-ready tracking, and cross-functional validation.
• Support capital planning and long-term budgeting for the new facility.
• Lead cross-functional launch teams across engineering, operations, facilities, and support groups.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows for all site-launch contributors.
• Mentor junior project managers and support professional development within the program team as needed.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Implement program management tools to drive schedule discipline, cost control, and data accuracy.
• Develop and refine processes that support long-term site operations.
• Maintain professionalism under pressure while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Support organizational success through additional responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

• discretionary bonus
• 401(k) matching
• vacation
• health benefits
• additional pay for off shifts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Education reimbursement program
• Several shift options
• Premium pay for off-shifts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level