Technical Program Manager

Laborup • Nashville, TN

18h

About The Position

We're hiring a Technical Program Manager for our aerospace and defense contract manufacturing company. We're a low-volume manufacturer building complex machined, welded, and fabricated assemblies for aerospace and defense applications. Customers rarely send us a finished plan. They send an RFQ, a drawing, or a requirement, and we figure out what to build, how to build it, what it costs, and whether it's profitable. In this role, you'll own both sides of the job from the business side (quoting, margin, schedule, customer relationships, developing two junior program managers) and the engineering side (reading drawings, challenging cost and manufacturing assumptions, solving problems on the shop floor). You'll report to senior leadership and have a meaningful seat at the table from day one.

Requirements

• 5–10 years in program management, project engineering, or manufacturing
• Ability to read engineering drawings and BOMs
• Working knowledge of machining, welding, and fabrication
• Understanding of manufacturing cost drivers and margin
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent technical experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work unsupervised and take initiative
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

• Engineering degree (strongly preferred)
• PMP certification
• Aerospace and defense industry experience
• Experience in an AS9100 environment
• Familiarity with government cost standards and contracting
• ERP and material planning software experience
• Cost accounting experience
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or program managers

Responsibilities

• Dissect customer RFQs; find what's missing, unclear, or risky.
• Build and pressure-test cost estimates before the company commits.
• Own scope, schedule, cost, and margin from quote through delivery.
• Serve as primary point of contact for program meetings and inquiries.
• Develop cash flow projections and cost estimates with team input.
• Deliver weekly status on schedule, budget, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Work technical and production issues directly, on the floor.
• Lead engineering, quality, production, and suppliers without direct authority.
• Develop two junior program managers into independent program owners.
• Assist with contract negotiation, administration, and sales inquiries.

Benefits

• Full ownership: Run major programs end to end, RFQ through delivery.
• Dual skillset development : Utilize and develop both your business and technical savvy
• Director track: This role is built to grow into a senior leadership position

What This Job Offers

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