Program Manager

Category (For Job Seekers)Defense & Aerospace, Professionals, Program Mgmt/Customer ServiceLocationH4381 - 438 SCI Plant 2 - Huntsville, AL 35803 US (Primary)Job DescriptionAt SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.Our heritage dates to 1961, as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments – Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It’s SCI summed up - ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.At this time, SCI is recruiting highly qualified candidates whose background and career goals meet our needs for the following position in Huntsville, AL. Please note that due to Department of Defense contract requirements, U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED.We are looking for a Program Manager to join our team. The Program Manager for manufacturing is a cross-functional leader who manages the interface between the customer and delivery of products by overseeing the entire manufacturing process, from design to mass production. They are responsible for a program's success by ensuring all teams, including engineering, supply chain, quality, and production planning, work together to meet cost, quality, and delivery timelines. Key duties include managing new product introductions (NPI), ensuring manufacturing readiness, and communicating program status and risks to assigned customer points of contact and SCI leadership. Key responsibilitiesCommunication: Serve as the main point of contact for the customer. Internal reporting for operational aspects of the program and provide regular updates, including challenges and solutions, to the executive team.Cross-functional leadership: Guide and direct Integrated Product Team (IPT) cross-functional teams (e.g., NPI, test engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, planning, quality assurance) to deliver on program goals.Manage product lifecycle: Lead new product through its entire lifecycle, from the design validation phase all the way to mass production.Cost management: Manage costs and execute budgets by focusing on strict adherence to the provided specifications, leveraging economies of scale in procurement, and using project management tools to track actual costs against the baseline like Earned Value Management (EVM) and forecasting Estimate at Completion (EACs).Ensure manufacturing readiness: Work with operations to ensure the product is manufacturable and that all processes, tools, and resources are in place for mass production.Risk management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure a smooth production process and timely delivery.Quality optimization: Drive initiatives to improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality after the initial ramp-up phase. Proposal Development: Work in conjunction with the PDO team to review the client's design package, identify potential manufacturing challenges, generate an accurate cost estimate (quote), and outline a clear plan for production.Forecast & Order management: Managing customer’s inputs for driving material, aligning requirements to the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to the assigned customer base.Required skills and experienceSuccessful Program Manager for contract manufacturing should have the following:Education: A bachelor's degree in business, operations, supply chain management, or a related technical or business field is preferred. Extensive experience (5+ years) in project leadership, and manufacturing environments (aerospace, defense, or technology industries)Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with ERP systems (Agile & Oracle), project management software, quality standards (e.g., ISO, AS9100), and familiarity with manufacturing principles, such as lean manufacturing methodologies is a plus.Experience in cost management and execution of budgets/EACsStrong negotiation, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills are crucial for managing diverse stakeholders and fostering effective partnerships.Program or project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and external partners.Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity