Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in Traverse City, MI

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Attalon in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At Attalon inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world-class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

Job Details

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Program Manager to lead and manage programs or projects through their entire lifecycle, ensuring that they meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives. This role will require collaborating closely with diverse functional teams, including engineering, operations, finance, supply chain, and quality, to ensure seamless program planning and execution.

As the quarterback of an integrated product team (IPT), the Program Manager takes accountability for planning tasks, coordinating resources, identifying risks, and ensuring all functional groups align toward achieving the defined program objectives from initial bid through to production. This role will deliver tangible outcomes and value to both the customer and the organization by emphasizing precisely executed program tasks, milestones, and deliverables within scope and budget.

A successful candidate will have deep experience managing cost, schedule, and system performance to ensure customer and business outcomes are met. The candidate will be responsible for implementation of the new product introduction (NPI) process, definition of the work breakdown structure (WBS), and management of cost estimations throughout program lifecycle for multiple programs running concurrently. The Program Manager will work with customers on a recurring basis to provide updates on program performance.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost, schedule, and system performance for programs assigned
• Synchronize efforts of engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure program outcomes are met
• Develop a strong working relationship with customers and guide programs to exceed customer expectations
• Problem solve and overcome challenges when programs encounter unexpected problems

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng, Business Administration, or a related technical field
• 5-10+ years of experience working in a program, project, or product management role
• 3+ years working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng, Business Administration, or a related technical field
• MBA
• 10-15+ years of experience working in a program, project, or product management role
• 5+ years working for a defense-focused supplier or prime defense contractor
• Experience with managing product development IMS and resource allocation
• Experience working with EVMS programs
• Ability to obtain a SECRET security clearance
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.