Program Manager

About Crane

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Every time you use phone navigation, make a bank transaction or have food delivered to your home, Crane Aerospace & Electronics Microwave product is hard at work. Located in the tight-knit, family-first West Caldwell, NJ., community, our West Caldwell facility supplies industry-leading microwave components and systems for use in space, defense and commercial applications, including GPS III satellites. With more than 60 years of expertise, our Microwave group has proven capabilities in major military, communications, electronic warfare, radar and satellite systems.

Job Summary

Program Managers provide leadership and management of cross functional business, technical, and operations teams while assuming accountability for overall success of assigned product development programs. Program management responsibilities extend from customer proposal, to program inception, through the successful transition to production processing after completion of qualification testing / certification compliance and production readiness reviews. Program success is measured by customer satisfaction of the development process and technical solution, accomplishment of schedule milestones, and adherence to recurring and non-recurring cost targets.

Essential Functions

• Review and evaluate customer proposals and change requests; lead bid package elements, ensuring compliance with technical, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Develop, monitor, and update detailed program plans, schedules, and resource needs to meet customer milestones within established processes.
• Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) by coordinating engineering, operations, and supply chain to ensure manufacturable designs, cost targets, and successful new product introduction.
• Serve as primary customer interface through regular communication, progress reviews, scope management, and formal change-control processes.
• Manage program cost, schedule, risks, and issues using standardized project management tools; drive mitigation actions and ensure stakeholder alignment.
• Facilitate smooth transition from development to production and lead preparation, collection, and communication of program metrics to internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years’ experience in Program Management or related project management type position.
• Knowledge: Proficient in Program Management philosophies and processes. Possess sufficient technical aptitude to understand design and production processes relate to Crane A&E products.
• Skills/Abilities: Demonstrated Leadership Skills, Results Focus, Customer Service Orientation, Action Orientation, Planning & Organizing, Teamwork & Cooperation, Business Acumen, Decision-Making Skills; Proficiency in Microsoft Project and other PC based office tools.
• Education/Certification: BS degree in Engineering or technical discipline.
• Eligibility Requirement: This position may require access to Controlled Data or Information. Where the position requires such access only US Persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants selected could be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some experience in a technical field preferred, preferably aerospace.
• MBA or comparable advanced management degree.
• Formal training in Program and / or Systems Management (PMI or equivalent).
• Experience in engineering product development and certification processes.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Work requires substantial visual concentration on detail.
• Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment.
• Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE.
• May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes.
• Travel up to 10%.
• Standing: 20% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task.
• Sitting: 80% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task.
• Lifting (in pounds): up to 20 pounds.
• Pushing (in pounds): up to 20 pounds.
• Mental/Visual: use of computer.
• Workspace (line, cube, etc): Office or Cube.

Benefits

• Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month.
• Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.
• 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match.
• Education Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employment.

Pay

Salary range: $147,300 - $183,000. Several factors contribute to actual salary, including experience in a similar role or performing comparable job responsibilities, skills, training, and other qualifications. Some roles may be eligible for participation in performance-based bonus programs.