Senior Program Manager

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. The Traverse City, Michigan campus is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D facility specializing in high-performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site features 40,000 sq. ft. of space, 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.

Attalon fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, combining high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving. Teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs to deliver world-class optical solutions. The environment values continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements.

About the role

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Program Manager to lead and manage programs or projects through their entire lifecycle, ensuring they meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives. This role requires 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 will take accountability for planning tasks, coordinating resources, identifying risks, and aligning all functional groups toward achieving program objectives from initial bid through production.

The role emphasizes precisely executed program tasks, milestones, and deliverables within scope and budget to deliver tangible outcomes and value to both the customer and the organization. A successful candidate will have deep experience managing cost, schedule, and system performance to ensure customer and business outcomes are met. The Program Manager will also implement the new product introduction (NPI) process, define the work breakdown structure (WBS), and manage cost estimations throughout the program lifecycle for multiple concurrent programs. Regular customer interaction is required to provide updates on program performance.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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

Qualifications

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

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