Program Director Jobs in Rochelle, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing project planning and execution throughout the entire product development lifecycle within the aerospace industry. This role manages cross-functional coordination, maintains customer-driven program schedules, and ensures the successful achievement of commitments, key milestones, revenue objectives, and customer satisfaction targets. The Program Manager acts as a primary liaison for customers, engaging both in person and virtually to support successful program delivery and outcomes.

• Lead and manage project planning and execution activities throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring programs remain on schedule and within scope.
• Coordinate and align multiple internal functions and external stakeholders to achieve program objectives and fulfill customer requirements.
• Create, maintain, and oversee customer-focused program schedules, proactively identifying risks, issues, and opportunities for resolution.
• Ensure program commitments, milestone deadlines, and agreed-upon deliverables are achieved as planned.
• Support the attainment of revenue objectives and customer satisfaction goals through effective program oversight and performance management.
• Serve as the primary customer contact, conducting regular interactions both in person and virtually to provide status updates, collect feedback, and manage expectations.
• Work closely with both new and existing international suppliers to support global program requirements.
• Utilize strong analytical, intuitive, and problem-solving skills to address complex program challenges and drive successful outcomes.
• Effectively organize and prioritize multiple projects and responsibilities to meet deadlines and maintain program progress.
• Communicate professionally and effectively through written and verbal channels with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Minimum of 5+ years of aerospace industry experience with a strong experience in program management.
• Demonstrated experience managing project planning and execution throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multiple disciplines and stakeholders across complex programs.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both customer-facing and internal interactions.
• Strong analytical and intuitive capabilities for evaluating program performance and making informed decisions.
• Experience collaborating with international suppliers in a global business environment.
• Comfortable operating in customer-facing settings, both in-person and through virtual engagement.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain customer-driven program schedules while meeting milestone commitments.
• Experience driving revenue and customer satisfaction objectives through effective program management practices.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with customers and international suppliers.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultures and geographic regions within global programs.

This is a Permanent position based out of Rockford, IL.

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, dental & vision• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)• Short and long-term disability• Health Spending Account (HSA)• Transportation benefits• Employee Assistance Program• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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