Program Manager Defense Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY

The R&D Qualification Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing qualification and validation activities for new and established products in accordance with customer requirements and engineering drawings.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work with the Sales team to evaluate and quote potential qualifications. 
• Identify external test resources, request quotes, schedules and coordinate testing for qualifications with external test laboratories to develop costs for quoting purposes. Coordinate this testing with both Sales and Planning as necessary.
• Develop and maintain qualification timelines to ensure on-time test completion. Coordinate with Planning to accurately account for non-recurring engineering (NRE) activities and schedule changes.
• Coordinate product qualifications and LATs per applicable military standards, customer requirements, engineering drawings, specifications and Micro-Coax procedures. Generate Qualification Test Plans (QTPs) and Acceptance Test Plans (ATPs), quoting qualifications when needed and in accordance with customer drawings, specifications and requirements.
• Work with Configuration Management and Sales to provide the information necessary to quote and execute qualification and LAT activities, including establishing items and related data within the ERP system when necessary.
• Coordinate qualification and test activities with Sales, Planning, and external laboratories as necessary.
• Report on qualification status, schedules, risks and test progress in weekly Tier 4 meeting to the Micro-Coax Leadership (MLT).
• Work closely with Connector and Cable Engineers to ensure that programs are being managed and coordinated with appropriate design efforts, assembly resources and schedules for a successful, on-time product launch of the qualified product.
• Assist Test Technicians with the setup of qualification samples for shock, vibration, thermal, and other applicable environmental and mechanical testing.
• Work closely with Production Supervisor to ensure qualification samples can be made in production using production tooling and processes.
• Work directly with customers to establish and align expectations for qualification testing, validation activities, schedules, and acceptance criteria.
• Provide updates on qualification status to customers when program management is included as part of the customer contract or purchase order.
• Other duties as required in support of the department and the company*

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

This role does not include direct supervisory responsibility for other employees; however, it provides opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline required. 
• Experience in aerospace, defense, cable assembly, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries preferred.
• Experience supporting product qualification, validation, testing, or project management activities is preferred.
• Familiarity with military specifications, qualification testing, and customer-driven product validation requirements is a plus.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Must be able to comprehend and apply basic mathematical principles.

JOB SKILLS

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while effectively leading and collaborating within cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in the use of database systems and ERP software, such as SAP or similar business systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and project tracking.
• Must be able to read, understand and interpret
• RF and microwave performance data, including S-parameter measurements such as VSWR, Insertion Loss (IL), Return Loss, Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), and Phase.
• Knowledge of military and industry test standards, including MIL-PRF-39012, MIL-STD-348, and similar specifications, with the ability to interpret test requirements, review test results, and support qualification activities involving shock and vibration, salt fog, corrosion, thermal, and other environmental tests.
• Must be able to understand and interpret phase measurements such as Phase vs Temp (PVT), Phase vs. Bend (PVB) and other such measurements.
• Ability to understand, analyze, and interpret phase stability measurements, including Phase vs. Temperature (PVT), Phase vs. Bend (PVB), and other RF performance characteristics.
• Working knowledge of advanced qualification and validation testing methods, including ionization and multifaction testing.
• Proficient in using project scheduling and management software, such as Microsoft Project, to plan, track, and coordinate qualification and testing activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

As part of their job duties, the employee must be able to sit, stand, and walk throughout the day while frequently using their hands to handle objects and communicate verbally. Additionally, they may need to reach, stretch, push, pull, crouch, stoop, and occasionally lift objects weighing up to twenty (20) pounds. This role requires specific vision abilities, including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. According to ADA regulations, reasonable accommodation will be provided to ensure that individuals with disabilities can perform the job's essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an air-conditioned work environment where employees have desks or cubicles and work in a fixed location. The physical environment is usually comfortable, well-lit, and equipped with the necessary facilities and hardware. The company culture is a culture of teamwork, communication, continuous improvement, business casual, strategic, and goal-oriented. The working conditions are stable, predictable, and secure.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• ASTM F–2412–2005, ANSI Z41–1999, or ANSI Z41–1991 rated safety toe shoes in specific areas
• Clear ANSI Z87.1 safety-rated glasses in specific areas.

EXPORT COMPLIANCE DISCLAIMER

This position includes access or potential access to ITAR and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) technical data. Therefore, candidates must qualify as US Persons, defined as US Citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders).

TRAVEL

Approximately 30% of travel is expected.  Including traveling with equipment to test facilities to complete various qualification tests.