Program Manager

Program ManagerThe Program Manager (PM) is responsible for leading customer programs related to precision cleaning, contamination control, and processing of aerospace and spaceflight hardware. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, quality, and customer interface, ensuring that all programs are executed on time, within scope, and in full compliance with stringent industry and customer requirements (e.g., NASA, DoD, and commercial space standards).This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical fluency, operational discipline, and the ability to manage high-stakes hardware through tightly controlled cleaning and verification processes.Salary: $90,000- $120,000/yr DOEResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & ExecutionOwn full lifecycle program management from contract award through deliveryDevelop and maintain program schedules, milestones, and deliverablesEnsure alignment between customer requirements and internal executionDrive on-time delivery while maintaining strict quality and contamination control standardsIdentify risks early and implement mitigation strategiesCustomer InterfaceServe as the primary point of contact for customersLead technical discussions, status reviews, and program updatesTranslate customer specifications into actionable internal requirementsManage scope changes, pricing impacts, and contract modificationsTechnical OversightDevelop deep understanding of precision cleaning processes (e.g., aqueous, solvent, ultrasonic, vacuum bakeout)Ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g., IEST, ASTM, NASA contamination control requirements)Partner with engineering and quality teams on process validation, nonconformance resolution, and continuous improvementReview and approve technical work instructions, travelers, and acceptance criteriaOperations CoordinationCoordinate across production, quality, lab/testing, and logistics teamsBalance capacity, throughput, and priority programsDrive efficiency improvements without compromising compliance or cleanliness levelsSupport scheduling and resource planningQuality & ComplianceEnsure programs meet internal and external quality management requirementsSupport audits (customer, regulatory, internal)Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions for program-related issuesMaintain documentation traceability and configuration controlFinancial & Contract ManagementManage program budgets, margins, and cost trackingSupport quoting and proposal developmentIdentify opportunities for upsell or expanded scope within existing accountsSkills / QualificationsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or related field)5–10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or space industry3+ years in program/project management rolesStrong understanding of quality systemsProven ability to manage complex, technically demanding programsPreferred QualificationsExperience with precision cleaning, contamination control, or high-spec manufacturing environmentsExperience supporting spaceflight programsFamiliarity with standards such as:IEST-STD-CC1246 (cleanliness levels)ASTM G93 / G94 (cleaning for oxygen service)NASA-STD-6016 / NASA-STD-5008Experience in cleanroom operations (ISO Class 5–8 environments)Background in materials, surface chemistry, or contamination engineeringCompany OverviewElement is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.Diversity StatementAt Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming 'the world's most trusted testing partner'.All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)"If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email View email address on click.appcast.io"