Program Manager

Test Services And Manufacturing Manager

The Test Services and Manufacturing Manager will serve in a dual-capacity role with both people leadership and individual technical contribution responsibilities. In this position, you will lead and be accountable for the delivery of technical output including data analysis supporting the development, manufacture, assembly, and test of hypersonic flight and ground prototype systems and subsystems, advancing high-speed propulsion technologies to meet program objectives and technology maturation goals. As Sr. Manager, you will lead teams of engineers and technical support staff, ensuring safe, high-quality, and efficient execution of ground test operations, fabrication, assembly, and related technical activities. You will ensure that all operations are coordinated and in step with company EHS policy. You will be responsible for building team capability and capacity, developing talent, strengthening processes, and driving continuous improvement through Flight Deck principles, standard work, and daily management. Working closely with Engineering, Programs, Facilities, EHS, and Operations stakeholders, you will help shape engineering strategy, support business priorities, develop operating budgets and identify investments that enhance site test and manufacturing capability.

As an individual contributor, you will provide project management, systems engineering, and technical oversight for prototype propulsion system and subsystem manufacturing, assembly, test, and evaluation activities in support of customer and program needs.

Reports to: Site Leader

Roles and Responsibilities

• Leadership, support and development of a world-class test engineering, prototype manufacturing and technical support team, including process improvement, recruitment; team member career development and ongoing appraisal processes; training, coaching and mentoring for continuous improvement.
• Continual engagement with other company leaders to properly resource load programs and continually enhance capabilities.
• Leadership of technical excellence within the team, including engagement with technical activities when required; creating, developing and enhancing processes and practices, applying solid understanding of engineering principles to multiple technical challenges.
• Upholding and developing strong Flight Deck principles, approaches, standard work and daily management within the team; leading and supporting Lean activities and events to achieve business priorities.
• Develop and strengthen test capabilities and data analysis solutions and coordinate with multidiscipline teams to achieve program objectives.
• Benchmark other GE test facilities and competitor facilities and report out to Leadership. Develop plans to address shortfall in operation capability and develop plans for improvement
• Formalize team training and particularly evaluate the technical skill of the tech organization. Develop training to address shortfalls.
• Coordinate in an ongoing basis with GE Research & Evendale on latest and best practices regarding test and data collection and analysis

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering discipline, Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in engineering technical development, technology, and/or functional management across product or program lifecycle phases.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience supporting the development, manufacture, assembly, and test of prototype ground and flight systems, including flight-relevant hardware and associated quality processes.
• Demonstrated successful experience leading or overseeing hardware production and ground and flight testing of flight-relevant systems.
• Significant experience in fluid systems development and complex aerospace or propulsion-related technical environments.
• Experience working directly with DoW and NASA customers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical oversight, project execution leadership, and systems engineering support for prototype system and subsystem manufacturing, assembly, and test activities.

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and provide strong technical program management leadership in a prototype development, manufacturing, assembly, and test environment.
• Strong personal desire and ability to recruit, coach, mentor, and develop engineers and technical support staff, while fostering an accountable, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Strong ability to analyze problems, drive structured root-cause resolution, and make sound decisions in team-based and fast-paced technical environments.
• Proven record of program management cost and schedule competence in both commercial and government contract programs
• Seasoned and competent familiarity with operations financial management and planning
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, customers, technical teams, and a broad range of career levels.
• Demonstrated ability to drive Lean principles, standard work, daily management, and continuous improvement to improve team performance and achieve business priorities.
• Ability to champion adoption of design tools, digital engineering capabilities, data analysis solutions, and business toolsets that improve execution and team effectiveness.
• Hands-on leader with the ability to engage deeply with Technical Leadership, Engineering, and Operations to solve technical and operational challenges while maintaining focus on execution and team development.
• Quick learner who can prioritize strategically, adapt to changing business needs, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communicator and team builder. Will support the leadership team and the business plan

The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to 190,000 USD Annual. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan.