Program Manager

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.The Senior Manager of Engineering will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for the development, industrialization, and support of precision optical components, assemblies, and metrology solutions. This leader will drive execution of strategic engineering initiatives, oversee complex customer-facing programs, and ensure the successful delivery of innovative products that meet quality, schedule, cost, and performance objectives.The ideal candidate is an accomplished engineering leader with strong program management capabilities, a customer-focused mindset, and experience managing cross-functional teams in a high-precision manufacturing environment.Key ResponsibilitiesEngineering LeadershipLead and develop a team of engineering managers, project engineers, mechanical engineers, optical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and technical specialists.Establish engineering priorities aligned with business objectives and customer requirements.Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.Coach and mentor engineering talent while supporting career development and succession planning.Drive organizational effectiveness through resource planning, workload balancing, and talent acquisition.Program & Project ManagementLead complex engineering programs from concept through production and product lifecycle support.Develop and manage project plans, budgets, schedules, risk mitigation strategies, and resource allocation.Ensure successful execution of multiple concurrent customer and internal development programs.Implement best practices in project management, stage-gate development processes, and engineering governance.Customer EngagementServe as a trusted technical and business partner to strategic customers.Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, technical discussions, and escalation management.Translate customer requirements into executable engineering plans.Support business development activities, proposal reviews, and technical presentations.Product Development & Manufacturing SupportPartner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Product Management to transition designs into manufacturing.Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), yield improvement, cost reduction, and productivity initiatives.Ensure compliance with quality systems and industry standards.Strategic & Operational ExcellenceEstablish and track engineering KPIs related to quality, schedule adherence, customer satisfaction, productivity, and innovation.Ensure effective risk management and decision-making across engineering programs.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related discipline).6-8 years of progressive engineering experience, including leadership responsibility.At least 5 years managing engineering teams and complex technical programs.Demonstrated success leading cross-functional product development and manufacturing initiatives.Strong program and project management skills with experience managing budgets, schedules, and resources.Experience interacting directly with customers in technical and commercial discussions.Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.Proven ability to lead through change and drive organizational performance.Leadership CompetenciesStrategic LeadershipAligns engineering execution with business strategy.Balances long-term innovation with near-term operational demands.Customer FocusUnderstands customer needs and translates them into engineering solutions.Builds trust through technical credibility and execution excellence.Program ExecutionDrives disciplined project management and predictable outcomes.Anticipates risks and proactively implements corrective actions.Team LeadershipDevelops people and creates an accountable, high-performing culture.Fosters collaboration across engineering, operations, quality, and commercial teams.Continuous ImprovementChampions operational excellence, process discipline, and innovation.Uses metrics and data-driven decision-making to improve performance.Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, and where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.*Due to the nature of Zygo's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.