Program Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Program Manager
Reports to: President

Who are MRF

Materials Research Furnaces are specialized high-temperature heating systems designed for scientific and industrial research applications in materials science, engineering, metallurgy, ceramics, nanotechnology, and more. They allow precise control of temperature, atmosphere (vacuum, inert gas, reducing/oxidizing
environments), and sometimes pressure to study, synthesize, or process materials under controlled high temperature conditions.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Program Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional programs related to the design, manufacture, testing, and delivery of industrial furnace systems, including high-temperature, vacuum, and controlled atmosphere furnaces. This role owns the step by step process / program execution from order intake through commissioning, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to customer and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong program management skills with hands-on knowledge of
thermal processing equipment, manufacturing operations, and complex engineered-to-order systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Own full lifecycle management of manufacturing programs from contract award through shipment,installation, and customer acceptance
• Develop and maintain detailed program schedules alongside project timelines, budgets in accordance with EAC best practice, risk registers, and resource plans
• A comprehensive Issues log from identifying issues to managing through to resolution
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and customers regarding program status and execution
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate technical, schedule, cost, and supply chain risks
• Lead regular program reviews, milestone meetings, and customer progress updates

Manufacturing & Technical Oversight

• Coordinate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Field Service teams
• Ensure manufacturability, assembly sequencing, and test plans are aligned with program requirements
• Oversee production process of industrial high temperature vacuum and controlled atmosphere furnace systems
• Ensure compliance with thermal, mechanical, electrical, and safety specifications
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT)

Cost, Schedule & Performance Control

• Track program financials including cost, margin, change orders, and forecast accuracy
• Manage scope changes and customer-driven modifications
• Drive continuous improvement in schedule adherence, cost control, and execution efficiency

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure programs comply with applicable standards and codes (e.g., ISO, ASME, NFPA, CE, UL,customer specifications)
• Partner with Quality to address nonconformances, corrective actions, and root cause analysis
• Promote a strong safety culture within manufacturing and installation activities

Leadership & Communication

• Lead cross-functional program teams without direct authority
• Escalate issues appropriately and propose data-driven solutions
• Mentor junior project/program managers where applicable

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field
• 5-10+ years of experience in program or project management within an industrial manufacturing environment
• Direct experience with one or more of the following:
  • High-temperature furnaces
  • Vacuum furnace systems
  • Controlled or specialty atmosphere thermal processing equipment
• Strong understanding of engineered-to-order (ETO) manufacturing
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary programs

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP or equivalent program management certification
• Experience with capital equipment, custom machinery, or thermal processing systems
• Knowledge of heat treatment processes, metallurgy, or materials processing
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES)
• Experience supporting field installation and commissioning

Key Skills & Competencies

• Program and schedule management
• Risk management and problem solving
• Cross-functional leadership
• Customer-facing communication
• Financial and cost management
• Technical aptitude with mechanical, electrical, and thermal systems

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and customer site environments
• Occasional travel to customer sites for reviews, installation, or commissioning
• Exposure to industrial manufacturing environments, including high-temperature equipment (with appropriate safety controls)