Program Manager Project Manager Jobs in California

Onanon, Inc. is a world class connector and cable assembly manufacturer that prides itself on supporting our customers with the ability to design & produce custom interconnect systems for a variety of industries (Medical, Automotive, Industrial, Aviation, Military, and Commercial).
We are looking for a candidate that has a personality that matches Onanon’s affable culture and is passionate about manufacturing, out of the box thinker who has the desire to “make a difference” by engaging themselves in every layer of the organization. Creating and improving processes, controls and performance measurements in all activity that reduces cost, improve quality, and increases efficiency.

The Program/Project Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating projects and programs that support the design, manufacture, and delivery of cable and connector assemblies. This individual ensures that all initiatives are executed on time, within scope, and within budget, while maintaining alignment with customer expectations, quality standards, and strategic business goals.
The ideal candidate combines strong project management discipline with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, customer interface, and cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced production environment.

• Lead end-to-end program management from customer concept through production release, including planning, scheduling, and execution of multiple concurrent projects.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring clear communication of requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales to meet project objectives.
• Translate customer and business requirements into actionable project plans, deliverables, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Manage project scope changes, priorities, and customer requests effectively.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and budgets.
• Track program performance, cost, and schedule variances; take corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure cost control and profitability through effective resource allocation and change management.
• Support forecasting, capacity planning, and program-level financial reporting.

• Facilitate effective communication across departments to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Prepare and deliver project status reports, presentations, and KPIs to leadership and customers.
• Maintain proactive and professional communication with customers to build trust and long-term partnerships.

• Ensure all programs comply with quality, regulatory, and customer requirements (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or applicable standards).
• Identify and manage risks and issues, developing mitigation and contingency plans.
• Lead lessons-learned reviews and drive continuous improvement in project management processes and cross-functional coordination.
• Champion Lean and process-improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and delivery performance.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to project team members; promote collaboration, accountability, and clear communication.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Engage with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve technical or production challenges impacting project success.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams in product launch or process improvement initiatives.
• Proven experience with manufacturing processes, NPI (New Product Introduction), and customer-facing project management.
• PMP or equivalent certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, including cable assembly, molding, connector assembly, and testing.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Skilled in Microsoft Project or equivalent project management tools; proficiency in ERP systems preferred.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills — able to influence at all organizational levels.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑mix, low‑volume environment.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time. Ability to work in labs, at customer sites, and with hands‑on equipment. Occasional lifting of samples/equipment (up to 50 lbs). Regular domestic travel and occasional international travel.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of project or program management experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, preferably within cable assembly, connector, or electronic component industries.