Program Development Manager Jobs in Rockford, IL

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Ingenium Aerospace is a fast-paced, flexible aerospace and defense subcontractor specializing in actuation, rotating components, and related products and services. We provide mechanical and electromechanical solutions to complex challenges, delivering engineering, prototyping, and production of flight controls, utility actuation, and other rotating component equipment for the latest generation of vehicles.

We operate with the agility of an entrepreneurial firm, supported by a diverse team of engineers and professionals. Our culture values collaboration, integrity, respect, teamwork, and excellence, all while fostering an engaging and supportive workplace. We welcome individuals who want to make an impact in an exciting industry with exposure to a wide range of products and applications.

OUR LOCATION

Based in Rockford, Illinois—just an hour west of Chicago—Ingenium Aerospace offers the best of both worlds: a dynamic aerospace hub and a region ranked among the most affordable housing markets in the U.S. (The Wall Street Journal). Rockford provides excellent schools, cultural amenities, and recreational opportunities, with easy access to Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Manager (PM) is a challenging and critical position. The role requires strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. It requires the versatility that includes program management and regular customer interaction. The Program Manager will be responsible for the functions and experiences such as:

• Project planning and execution throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Work with multiple disciplines on the program and the customer.
• Lead the focus on maintaining customer-driven program schedules.
• Ensure that the company stays on track to meet program commitments and milestone dates.
• Ensure that revenue and customer satisfaction goals are met.
• Interact regularly with customers face-to-face as well as virtually.
• Be able to manage assigned projects from launch through first stage of production.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop detailed program schedules to the detail part and process level.
• Be the customer’s go-to representative at Ingenium Aerospace.
• Review customer provided Statements of Work (SOW) and Purchase Orders (PO’s) to ensure all customer requirements are understood and met during the program.
• Conduct regular (usually weekly or twice-weekly) customer updates on program activities.
• Lead company/customer events such as preliminary and critical design reviews (PDRs, CDRs).
• Follow and maintain schedule adherence with engineering and assembly and test.
• Keep management (engineering, purchasing, quality, business development, contracts, finance) current on key activities as required.
• Ensure and validate compliance to all technical customer requirements.
• Significantly high engagement with our customers.
• All other duties as assigned by manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Equivalent Degree.
• Aerospace experience of 5+ years minimum.
• Excellent problem solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Analytical and intuitive skills.
• Experience working with international suppliers (new and existing) on a global scale
• Comfortable in customer-facing environments.
• Extremely versatile and able to multitask.
• Some travel required.
• U.S. Citizen Only (No dual citizenship).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of SolidWorks or similar software, a plus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Project or similar software, a plus.
• Experience in program cost/value optimization and cost reduction initiatives
• Ability to read drawings and to understand multi-level Bills of Material (BOM’s).
• Used to companies that deal in low volume, high mix environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND VISUAL DEMANDS

• Standard office environment; occasional exposure to manufacturing plant noise/temperature, requiring PPE.
• Frequent speaking, listening, and computer use.
• Vision requirements include depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Ingenium Aerospace offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Disability Insurance (Short & Long Term)
• Voluntary Life Insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

Working remotely is not an option for this position