Program Planning Manager Jobs in Ayer, MA (NOW HIRING)

CPI Composite Structures Division is a leading manufacturer specializing in the design and production of high-performance radomes and composite structures for both defense and commercial applications. Our products support a variety of aerospace platforms, including aircraft, ground radomes, and maritime radomes, with a primary focus on ensuring the reliability and performance of communication and radar systems in challenging environments. We are committed to providing innovative, mission-critical solutions to the aerospace industry.

We are currently seeking a Program Manager to join our dynamic team in Massachusetts. This individual will oversee the successful execution of programs involving the development and manufacturing of radomes and composite components, ensuring customer satisfaction, meeting technical requirements, and delivering on time and within budget.

Position Overview:

The Program Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating the execution of programs related to the development of radomes and composite manufacturing for aircraft, ground, and maritime applications. This individual will work closely with engineering, operations, and the customer to ensure that all program goals are met, including technical performance, cost, and schedule. The ideal candidate will have a technical background and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, fostering strong relationships with both internal teams and external customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Planning and Execution:
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of aerospace programs related to radomes and composite manufacturing.
• Develop comprehensive program plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Track program progress and ensure milestones are achieved according to schedule and within budget.
• Ensure alignment between program objectives and company goals while adhering to aerospace standards and regulatory requirements.
• Technical Coordination and Problem Solving:
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure technical requirements are met and resolved promptly.
• Act as the technical liaison between the customer and internal teams to address issues, clarify requirements, and manage expectations.
• Identify potential technical challenges in the program lifecycle and proactively resolve them to avoid delays or performance issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain to ensure smooth program execution.
• Ensure effective communication between internal departments to track and resolve any issues impacting the program’s success.
• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to manage scope, define deliverables, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Customer and Stakeholder Management:
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, ensuring clear and regular communication regarding project status, risks, and deliverables.
• Regularly update senior management and customers on program progress, including budget tracking, schedule adherence, and any risks or issues.
• Serve as the main point of contact for customers on program-related matters, ensuring that all concerns are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
• Risk Management and Mitigation:
• Proactively identify and manage risks associated with the program, developing mitigation strategies to address potential challenges.
• Implement corrective actions as necessary to keep the program on track in terms of schedule, cost, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, DoD), and internal company policies.
• Program Reporting and Documentation:
• Maintain detailed records of program activities, including progress reports, financial tracking, and risk assessments.
• Prepare program updates for senior leadership and key stakeholders, ensuring transparency and clear communication.
• Extracts requirements from customer requests and drafts responses including TINA compliant proposals and quotes
• Ensure that all necessary documentation is in place for compliance and auditing purposes

Salary: $110000 - $140000 / year

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen. 
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a science, technical, engineering, mathematics field or business field from an accredited college or university
• Experience:
• 1-5 years of experience in program management, project management, or engineering management within the aerospace industry, specifically in radomes, composites, or similar fields.
• Experience managing programs for both defense and commercial aerospace sectors, with a focus on aircraft, ground, and maritime radomes preferred.
• Knowledge of composite manufacturing processes and radome design, testing, and application.
• Technical Skills:
• Strong technical background with a solid understanding of aerospace engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with industry standards, including those related to radomes, composite materials, and aerospace systems (e.g., MIL-STD, AS9100, FAA certifications).
• Experience with project management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera, Jira, or equivalent).
• Skills and Abilities:
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with customers, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to address technical, logistical, and program-related challenges.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach to managing program execution, timelines, and resources.
• Additional Skills/Competencies:
• Experience with risk management and the ability to develop mitigation strategies for program issues.
• Ability to understand and analyze program key performance indicators
• Understanding of the defense and commercial aerospace supply chain, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing standards.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage conflicting priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Characteristics:

• Strong leadership capabilities and the ability to drive cross-functional teams to successful program outcomes.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Strong customer focus, with a commitment to delivering quality products and services on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of radome design and testing processes (e.g., electromagnetic performance, environmental testing) is a plus.

SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH INNOVATION AND DISCOVERY!

With a history spanning more than seven decades, Communications & Power Industries’ thousands of products have impacted people’s lives in numerous unseen ways every day. Our highly engineered products serve as the backbone of modern-day commercial and military communications systems, assist in diagnosing medical conditions, empower scientific discoveries and space exploration, and much more.

CPI is headquartered in Plano, Texas and is a global manufacturer of electronic components and subsystems. We have manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With a heritage of technological excellence, our team serves customers in the communications, defense, medical, industrial, and scientific markets.

WHAT WE OFFER:

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just embarking on your career, CPI is an ideal place to expand your knowledge and expertise. We cultivate a healthy, dynamic, and team-oriented environment that empowers our employees to develop, create and deliver innovative, reliable technology solutions to power, connect, protect, and support a better tomorrow.

We offer our employees an attractive compensation package with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness programs, career development, generous retirement savings plan with company match and more!
WHO WE ARE:

We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to CPI, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. CPI is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone. We celebrate the innovation that diversity creates in the work environment, and we recognize that each employee brings their own unique capabilities, experiences, and perspectives to the organization. It is this variety that adds value to our teams, as well as to our stakeholders. We welcome and encourage applicants to reach their full potential with us.