Operational Program Manager Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Dripping Springs, TX
Direct Hire | Full-Time
$155,000-$165,000 Base Salary

This position is onsite in SW Austin/Dripping Springs, TX. Candidates should be comfortable commuting to the worksite daily.

Our client, an innovative engineering and manufacturing organization in the Southwest Austin/Dripping Springs area, is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex customer programs from concept through delivery. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role will serve as a key leader responsible for project execution, customer satisfaction, financial performance, delivery schedules, and cross-functional coordination.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior project or program management professional with experience in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, electronics, or high-tech environments.

What You'll Do

As Program Manager, you will own programs from initial customer engagement through project completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer requirements.

Program Leadership

• Manage the full project lifecycle from initiation through closure.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout project execution.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Lead cross-functional teams including Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations.
• Establish priorities and drive accountability across project teams.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Meet with customers to define requirements and project expectations.
• Communicate project status, milestones, risks, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate customer reviews, design reviews, and project updates.
• Identify and manage scope changes, ensuring appropriate approvals and budget adjustments.

Schedule & Financial Management

• Develop detailed project schedules and resource plans.
• Monitor performance against project budgets and timelines.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and project metrics.
• Identify risks, roadblocks, and corrective actions.
• Ensure successful project execution while maintaining profitability targets.

Execution & Continuous Improvement

• Drive project teams toward successful completion of deliverables.
• Monitor workload, resource utilization, and project health.
• Prevent scope creep through disciplined project controls.
• Document lessons learned and implement process improvements.
• Support strategic initiatives and operational excellence efforts.

What We're Looking For

• Strong leadership and project execution skills.
• Exceptional communication and customer management abilities.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong business acumen and financial awareness.
• Excellent planning, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Results-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in the following environments are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Engineering organizations
• Electronics manufacturing
• Aerospace and defense
• Test and measurement systems
• Technical product development
• Custom manufacturing
• New product introduction (NPI)
• Contract manufacturing
• Government and defense-related programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Science, Operations, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of project or program management experience required.
• Experience managing customer-facing technical programs strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
• Strong understanding of project planning, budgeting, and resource management.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident due to ITAR-related requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Ability to move throughout office and production environments.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Health & Wellness

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Options
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Options

Paid Time Off

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• PTO Increases with Tenure

Work-Life Balance

• 9/80 Work Schedule
• Enjoy every other Friday off for a built-in three-day weekend twice each month

Professional Development

• Ongoing Training & Development
• Leadership Growth Opportunities
• Exposure to Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Programs

Why Apply?

• $155,000-$165,000 salary
• Direct-hire opportunity
• Reports directly to the COO
• Significant visibility and influence within the organization
• Lead complex, high-impact customer programs
• Strong benefits package
• Unique 9/80 schedule
• Growing, innovative engineering and manufacturing environment

Apply Today

If you're a proven Program Manager who excels at leading cross-functional teams, managing customer relationships, and delivering complex technical projects on time and within budget, we encourage you to apply today.