PRODUCTION PROGRAM MANAGER (R&D)

PRODUCTION PROGRAM MANAGER (R&D)

The Marvin Group is a Strategic Partner for Global Alternate Mission Equipment and Sustainment. The Marvin Group, a leading defense contractor, plays a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of various systems for military aerospace and vehicles. Based in Southern California near the Los Angeles International Airport, The Marvin Group consists of Marvin Engineering (MEC), Marvin Test Solutions (MTS) and Marvin Land Systems (MLS). Marvin Engineering designs and produces military Alternate Mission Equipment. Marvin Test Solutions designs and manufactures armament Test Equipment. Marvin Land Systems specializes in the design and build of power and thermal management systems. For over 60 years we have maintained " A Tradition of Excellence ", serving as a trusted source for our unwavering commitment to supporting all branches of the Department of Defense and our global allies. Our collaboration extends across a diverse array of programs and platforms, including major military prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The R&D Production Program Manager is responsible for driving execution across the engineering product development lifecycle for aerospace and defense programs—from concept, design, and prototyping through qualification, production transition, and sustained manufacturing. This role requires a technical leader with a strong background in Department of Defense (DoD) and/or aerospace programs, capable of balancing engineering rigor with program management excellence. The successful candidate will be a proactive, hands on contributor who manages and performs engineering and program tasks related to pneumatic, mechanical, and electro mechanical components, assemblies, and systems of varying complexity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead cross functional programs focused on developing and industrializing new products, processes, materials, or production capabilities.
• Build and maintain detailed program schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk assessments.
• Drive execution of prototype fabrication and early stage manufacturing activities, ensuring readiness for scale up.
• Collaborate with production, fabrication, and assembly teams to ensure manufacturability, repeatability, and efficient transfer of new technologies into production workflows.
• Monitor program performance and provide regular status updates, dashboards, and reports to leadership and stakeholders.
• Facilitate design reviews, technical discussions, and issue resolution meetings.
• Identify program risks, develop mitigation strategies, and lead corrective action efforts as needed.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines during development and pilot production phases.
• Manage supplier engagement for prototype parts, testing, and new technology introduction.
• Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and integrating best practices into future programs.

SKILLS / REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D, product development, advanced manufacturing, or program management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, prototype builds, and new product introduction (NPI).
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi disciplinary programs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with program management tools, scheduling software, and engineering documentation systems.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with shifting priorities and technical ambiguity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NICE TO HAVE)

• Previous experience supporting DoD acquisition programs and/or aerospace systems development.
• Familiarity with AS9100, MIL-STD-810, or other DoD and Aerospace quality and compliance standards.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Knowledge of airborne weapon systems and/or weapon carriage equipment is strongly desirable.