Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Smithton, IL

Company Overview:

Perimeter Solutions is a premier global solutions provider, producing high-quality lubricant additives and firefighting chemicals. We develop products that impact critically important issues of life – issues where there often is no room for error and the job doesn’t offer second chances. 

At Perimeter, we characterize the solutions we develop as ‘Solutions that Save’ – because it helps underscore what we are trying to accomplish for our customers, and the world at large, across all our business segments.  

The Engineering Program Manager – Airbases is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and execution of engineering activities supporting the Airbases business segment. This role serves as the primary engineering focal point for Airbase-related projects and initiatives, ensuring engineering resources, designs, technical solutions, schedules, and deliverables are aligned with business objectives.

Reporting directly to the Engineering Director, the Engineering Program Manager provides end-to-end ownership of engineering work across the Airbases portfolio, from concept development and design through execution, implementation, and project closeout. The role works closely with Airbase Managers, Airbase Leadership, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery, technical excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include (not in any priority):

Engineering Program Ownership

• Serve as the single point of accountability for all engineering activities supporting the Airbases business segment.
• Lead the planning, prioritization, coordination, and execution of engineering, construction and service projects and initiatives.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet technical, quality, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Manage engineering project portfolios and resource allocation across multiple Airbase programs.

Technical Leadership

• Oversee engineering design, development, validation, and implementation activities.
• Ensure engineering solutions comply with company standards, customer requirements, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Lead technical reviews, design reviews, risk assessments, and engineering change management processes.
• Support problem-solving efforts and resolution of complex technical issues.

Engineering Execution

• Oversee planning, prioritization, and execution of engineering projects and programs.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, budget, and quality expectations.
• Implement effective engineering processes, governance, and performance metrics.
• Identify and proactively mitigate technical, operational, and organizational risks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Airbase Managers and Airbase Leadership to understand business priorities and operational needs.
• Coordinate with Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Commercial teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Facilitate communication between engineering teams and business stakeholders.
• Align engineering activities with strategic business objectives and customer commitments.

Program Execution & Delivery

• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource plans.
• Monitor project performance and proactively identify risks, issues, and mitigation strategies.
• Drive accountability for achieving project objectives and key performance indicators.
• Ensure timely and effective communication of project status to Engineering Leadership and Airbase Leadership.

Airbase Maintenance Ownership

• Own and oversee all engineering-related maintenance activities across Airbase operations.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies that improve equipment reliability, asset performance, operational readiness, and lifecycle management.
• Partner closely with Airbase Managers and Airbase Leadership to prioritize maintenance projects, capital improvements, and reliability initiatives.
• Establish maintenance engineering standards, preventive maintenance programs, predictive maintenance practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts for equipment failures and operational disruptions, ensuring corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Drive maintenance planning, execution, budgeting, and resource allocation to support Airbase operational objectives.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with safety, environmental, regulatory, and company standards.
• Monitor key maintenance performance indicators including equipment uptime, reliability, maintenance costs, work order completion, and asset health.
• Coordinate engineering support for turnaround activities, facility upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and capital projects impacting Airbase operations.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Management, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of engineering, project management, or program management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex engineering projects from concept through execution.
• Strong understanding of engineering design, product development, construction Processes, manufacturing support, and project execution processes.
• Excellent organizational, communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Key Competencies

• Program & Project Management
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Engineering Leadership
• Technical Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Stakeholder Management
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Resource Planning
• Process Improvement
• Communication & Influence

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This position involves high stress and frequent, often short notice of travel by vehicle and air due to the unpredictable nature of fire operations. 
• The role requires lifting 24–55 lbs., performing two-person lifts of 100–125 lbs., attaching and detaching ~45 lb. fire retardant nozzles to aircraft, carrying 48–77 lb. hose skates across unimproved terrain, and frequent crouching or kneeling. Work includes prolonged driving (up to 12 hours/day), extended use of hand and power tools, field service activities, and periods of sedentary desk work. 
• Employees regularly work in inclement weather and extreme temperatures and may be exposed to hazards associated with aircraft, heavy equipment, and fire operations.
• The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits:

Perimeter Solutions offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays among others.

EEOC:

Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.