Program Manager

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services, connecting specialized experts with visionary companies to advance their initiatives.

About the role

The Program Manager leads cross-functional teams to successfully execute customer programs from launch through production in a fast-paced, high-mix composites manufacturing environment. This role oversees project timelines, budgets, and deliverables while ensuring alignment across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to meet customer expectations. The Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for customers, managing communication, resolving issues, and driving program performance. The position also plays a key role in continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and supporting new business opportunities while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to execute customer programs from initial launch through full production, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Oversee program timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and ensure alignment across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, managing day-to-day communication, clarifying requirements, and setting expectations.
• Identify, address, and resolve program issues quickly to minimize risk and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Drive program performance in a fast-paced, high-mix composites environment by coordinating resources and removing obstacles.
• Implement and support process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program efficiency and quality.
• Ensure adherence to quality management system requirements and applicable standards, including AS 9100 and aerospace or defense-related guidelines.
• Support new business opportunities by contributing program management expertise, technical understanding, and operational insight.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure that technical requirements, tooling, and fixtures align with program objectives.
• Monitor and report on program status, risks, and achievements to internal stakeholders, recommending corrective actions when needed.
• Promote a culture of customer focus, operational excellence, and ongoing improvement throughout the program lifecycle.

Requirements

• Proven experience in program management, ideally within an aerospace manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and their application in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with AS 9100 or within aerospace and defense industry standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage customer interaction, including communication, issue resolution, and relationship management.
• Experience driving process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate efforts across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.
• Technical understanding of manufacturing processes, particularly within a high-mix or composites-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interface with customers and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Composites manufacturing experience.
• Military background or experience working with defense-related programs.
• CAD background, preferably with SolidWorks.
• CNC shop experience, including tooling and fixture design.
• Interest in contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and new business opportunities.
• Motivation to grow in a performance-based environment with clear long-term career paths.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily on the manufacturing floor, providing close interaction with production activities, equipment, and processes. The role also includes time in an office setting for planning, coordination, documentation, and customer communication. The environment is fast-paced and focused on solving real manufacturing and engineering challenges directly on the floor.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $43.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short and long-term disability.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Holland, MI.