Program Manager

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Program Manager to support a leader in advanced aerospace, defense, and space technologies headquartered in Mason, Ohio . This position is onsite in Mason, OH. The Senior Program Manager will lead complex development and production programs supporting mission-critical electro-optical, avionics, space, and aerospace systems. This role will drive cross-functional execution from commercialization through full-rate production while ensuring delivery against cost, schedule, quality, and customer commitments. Join an innovative team developing technologies that support surveillance, reconnaissance, threat detection, self-protection missions, and next-generation space systems.

Responsibilities for the Senior Program Manager include:

• Lead development and production programs from planning through execution, ensuring successful transition from product development to sustained manufacturing.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and contracts teams.
• Support commercialization efforts, production readiness activities, capacity planning, and manufacturing ramp initiatives.
• Develop and manage integrated program schedules, identify risks, and implement mitigation and recovery plans.
• Coordinate with suppliers and procurement teams to address material shortages, supplier performance issues, and production risks.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level program reviews, customer briefings, and status reports.
• Lead corrective action efforts and remove program execution barriers to maintain schedule and production commitments.
• Monitor program performance, budgets, milestones, and customer deliverables throughout the program lifecycle.
• Support proposal development, strategic planning initiatives, and business growth activities.
• Serve as a key leader driving accountability and execution across high-visibility aerospace and defense programs.

Required Qualifications for the Senior Program Manager include:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in program management, manufacturing operations, engineering leadership, or related areas.
• Experience leading complex aerospace, defense, space, electronics, or advanced manufacturing programs.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, supply chain management, and program execution.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct reporting authority.
• Experience managing schedules, budgets, risks, and customer commitments in highly regulated environments.
• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate independently while managing multiple priorities and complex initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications for the Senior Program Manager include:

• Experience with aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, or other advanced manufacturing industries.
• Experience supporting commercialization, new product introduction (NPI), or transition-to-production efforts.
• Familiarity with ERP, MRP, and MES systems.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Advanced degree (MBA, Engineering, Operations, or related field) preferred.
• Strong technical and operational acumen with the ability to balance strategic planning and tactical execution.
• Comfortable working directly with manufacturing teams as well as executive leadership and customers.

Compensation for the Senior Program Manager includes:

• Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience
• Work Schedule: 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
• Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k)

#LI-Onsite

Senior Program Manager, Program Manager, Aerospace, Defense, Space Systems, Space Avionics, Electro-Optical Systems, EO Systems, Aerospace Manufacturing, Defense Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Program Management, Program Execution, Cross-Functional Leadership, Operations Management, Manufacturing Operations, Production Management, Production Readiness, Commercialization, New Product Introduction, NPI, Transition to Production, Industrialization, Manufacturing Ramp-Up, Capacity Planning, Integrated Master Schedule, IMS, Risk Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management, Budget Management, Supply Chain Management, Supplier Management, Material Planning, Procurement, Production Planning, Quality Management, Contracts Management, Customer Management, Executive Reporting, Strategic Planning, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Engineering Leadership, Operations Leadership, Technical Program Management, Product Development, Mission-Critical Systems, Avionics, Satellite Communications, Space Technology, Surveillance Systems, Reconnaissance Systems, Threat Detection, Self-Protection Systems, Electronics Manufacturing, Semiconductor Manufacturing, ERP, MRP, MES, PMP, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Business Operations, Proposal Management, Manufacturing Strategy, Defense Programs, DoD, Aerospace Programs, Program Lifecycle Management, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, Team Leadership, Problem Solving, Process Improvement,