Program Manager

Company Overview

JGA Space & Defense is a growing organization dedicated to the design and manufacturing of high-performance components for the space and defense industry. With a focus on quality, precision, and engineering excellence, we support mission-critical applications for aerospace and defense customers.

We foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture where innovative thinkers and problem-solvers thrive. Guided by our core values of excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement, we are committed to delivering exceptional products and becoming a market leader in our industry.

Position Summary

JGA Space & Defense is seeking a motivated, organized, and results-driven Program Manager to support and lead customer programs within our precision aerospace and defense manufacturing operations.

We are considering candidates across multiple experience levels, from professionals looking to expand their program management responsibilities to experienced leaders capable of independently managing complex customer programs and cross-functional initiatives.

The selected candidate will be responsible for coordinating program activities from order acceptance through manufacturing, production, and final delivery. Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Contracts, and other internal teams, this individual will help ensure programs are executed efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with customer requirements.

Depending on experience and demonstrated capabilities, responsibilities may range from supporting Senior Program Managers with program execution and customer communications to independently managing multiple programs, driving strategic initiatives, and leading cross-functional teams.

The final position level, title, responsibilities, and compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and overall qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary based on the position level and the candidate's qualifications.

• Support or independently manage customer programs from order acceptance through production and final delivery.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Contracts, and other departments to ensure on-time delivery.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to monitor production schedules, work orders, manufacturing priorities, material availability, and capacity constraints.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, production trackers, line-of-balance reports, and customer-status updates.
• Identify manufacturing bottlenecks, scheduling conflicts, and program risks; coordinate corrective actions and schedule-recovery efforts.
• Participate in or lead customer meetings to communicate program status, production progress, delivery commitments, and outstanding issues.
• Coordinate and expedite materials, hardware, tooling, and manufacturing activities to support critical delivery timelines.
• Support customer quotations by providing manufacturing lead-time estimates, capacity assessments, and scheduling input.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, including customer requirements, schedules, action items, risks, and program communications.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve program execution, shop flow, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Support strategic planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement initiatives based on experience and position level.

Qualifications

We recognize that successful program management professionals come from a variety of technical, operational, and leadership backgrounds. Candidates will be evaluated based on their overall qualifications and demonstrated ability to perform the responsibilities associated with the appropriate position level.

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of relevant experience in program management, project management, production planning, manufacturing operations, scheduling, supply chain, or a related discipline.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional activities involving production schedules, customer requirements, delivery commitments, and operational priorities.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, shop-management software, production scheduling tools, or similar manufacturing systems.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing schedules, work-order status, production priorities, material availability, and capacity constraints.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with customers, production personnel, and leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to develop and maintain program schedules, production trackers, status reports, and action-item logs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control and customer-access requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of program coordination, manufacturing operations, and production scheduling.
• Ability to interpret and analyze ERP data, manufacturing schedules, and operational performance metrics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to anticipate risks, identify bottlenecks, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and organizational levels.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality, responsiveness, and on-time delivery.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Leadership capabilities appropriate to the assigned position level.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• 401(k) with Company Match.
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.