Program Manager Contract Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:

Job Title:Program Manager

Reports to:Director, Program Management

Department: Program Management

WorkModel: Full-time,On-site-est.10-20% Travel

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

Company& BenefitInformation

At Crystal Group, we do hard things - designing and building rugged tech and tech solutions that provide predictable performance in the world's most unforgiving environments. As a 100% employee-owned company, here you take extreme ownership of your role and work and invest in your own success and that of your teammates. Together we use azero limitsapproach to wow our customers.

Crystal Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical/dental/vision insurance

• Paid time off

• Tuition reimbursement

• Wellness programs

• Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• On-Site Gym

Job Summary

The Program Manageris responsible forthesuccessful execution and delivery of assigned programs from contract award through completion. Serving as the primary customer interface, this role leads cross-functional teams to achieve programobjectiveswhile ensuring customer satisfaction, contract compliance, and execution excellence. The Program Managermaintainscomprehensive ownership of program performance, balancing cost, schedule,technicalexecution, delivery commitments, and risk to deliver successful outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Lead execution of assigned programs while managing cost, schedule, technical performance, quality,delivery, profitability,and risk.

• Maintain comprehensive ownership and situationalawareness of contract status, forecasts, production readiness, engineering milestones, financial performance, customer commitments, and business risks.

• Serve as the primarycustomer-facingrepresentative and internalpoint of contactbuilding long-term relationships through proactive communication, issue resolution, and execution excellence.

• Execute customerprogramsin accordance withcontractual requirements while ensuring delivery commitments are achieved.

• Lead cross-functional teams through complex technical and operational challenges while influencing decisions without direct authority.

• Manage program financial performance, including forecasting, revenue recognition support, margin performance, change management, and resource planning.

• Partner withsubcontractsmanagement teamtomonitorsubcontractor performance and ensuretimelyachievement of program milestones.

• CoordinatewithEngineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, Manufacturing, and Business Development to ensure successful program execution.

• Establish and manage customer expectations throughout the program lifecycle.

• Provideaccuratecustomer reporting,leadershipupdates, and program performance metrics.

• Lead internal program management workflows whileidentifyingrisks, driving corrective actions, and promoting continuous improvement.

Knowledge,Skillsand Abilities

• Proficient in program management principles, forecasting, risk management, contract execution, and customer relationship management.

• Familiarity with rugged computing systems, embedded hardware, and/or industrial/defense-grade electronics

• Ownership mindset with a high degree of accountability and commitment to execution excellence.

• Customer-focused with the ability to build trusted relationships through responsiveness, transparency, and consistent delivery.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance customer priorities, operational execution, and financial performance.

• Influential leader capable of driving alignment and achieving results across cross-functional teams without direct authority.

• Structured, analytical, and critical thinker with strong problem-solving anddecision-making skills.

• Strongplanning, organization, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present clearly to customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.

• Collaborative team player who builds strong partnerships across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, quality, and customer organizations.

RequiredQualifications

• Must be a US Person (US Citizen, person granted US Permanent Resident Card or any individual granted status as a "protected person")

• Bachelor's degree in businessorrelated field

• 3-5 years of program, project, or operations management experience within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry

• Experience leading cross-functional projects or customer programs

• Demonstrated ability to manage cost, schedule, customer expectations, and competing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration

• Familiarity with forecasting, CRM systems, and pipeline management tools (Salesforce, EPICOR, etc.).

• Strong financial literacy, including understanding of pricing models, gross margin, and EBITDA

• Experience leading cross-functional teams through the full program lifecycle, from proposal support and contract award through delivery and sustainment.

• Experience presenting to executive leadership, key clients, or other high-stakes audiences, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical and business information in a professional and persuasive manner

• Ability to obtain andmaintainany required security clearance, if applicable

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Occasional exposure to manufacturing floor and testing environments. May requirelifting upto 25lbs, standing for extended periods during product testing, and occasional travel (up to20%).

EEO Statement

Crystal Group, Inc, maintains a program of equal employment opportunity designed to ensure that employment and advancement opportunities are made available to all employees and applicants on the basis of individual qualifications and without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, disability, age, sex, genetic information, military status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Offer Contingency

All job offers are contingent on the applicant successfully completing the background check and drug screen.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skillsrequired. Management reserves the right tomodify, add, or remove duties and to assign otherresponsibilitiesas necessary. Employment with Crystal Groupremainsat-will.

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