Program Manager Jobs in Willimantic, CT (NOW HIRING)

Element Materials Technology is seeking a results-driven Program Manager to lead and manage key customer programs across our aerospace and defense portfolio. This role serves as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, ensuring seamless execution from contract review through delivery while aligning operational performance with customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and business objectives.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in aerospace operations or special processing, with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration, manage complex programs, and deliver exceptional customer experience in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

Salary: $70,000- $100,000/yr DOE

• Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned aerospace programs, managing communication, expectations, and overall satisfaction
• Lead program execution across internal teams including operations, quality, contract review, and sales
• Ensure all work complies with customer specifications, NADCAP requirements, and regulatory standards (FAA, EASA, ITAR)
• Monitor program performance including on-time delivery, turnaround time, quality metrics, and revenue targets
• Proactively identify risks to schedule, quality, or cost, and implement corrective actions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce lead time, and improve customer experience
• Manage expedite requests, AOG priorities, and critical turnaround demands while optimizing profitability
• Partner with Senior Leadership to identify growth opportunities, wallet share expansion, and new program wins
• Provide regular program updates, reporting, and forecasts to internal leadership and customers

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace program management, operations, or special processing
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing and inspection processes (NDT, coatings, precision cleaning, etc. preferred)
• Familiarity with NADCAP, OEM approvals, and aerospace quality systems
• Experience working in ITAR-controlled environments
• Proven ability to manage multiple programs and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

"If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email Recruitment@element.com"