Job Description

Position Title:

Program Manager – Defense Manufacturing Projects

Location:

Geneva, OH

Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire | On-Site | Minimal Travel

About the Opportunity

A leading manufacturer of ruggedized, mission-critical systems for defense and emergency response is seeking a Program Manager to lead contract execution and cross-functional coordination from kickoff through delivery. This role is based at their Geneva facility and is ideal for someone with a manufacturing or defense production background—not IT.

You’ll be responsible for managing production-driven, highly engineered programs, interfacing with government and commercial customers, and driving alignment across engineering, supply chain, quality, and operations. If you’re a hands-on project manager with a strong understanding of manufacturing environments, this is a high-impact role with national defense significance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily execution of build-to-order programs supporting defense and emergency response customers
• Lead integrated product teams (IPTs) and coordinate across departments (engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality)
• Act as the primary liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders (DoD and commercial clients)
• Track cost, scope, timing, and risk—applying earned value or similar principles where needed
• Ensure all program deliverables are met on time and within scope
• Drive continuous improvement and corrective action (RCCA) efforts to resolve issues and maintain momentum
• Support bid and proposal responses for upcoming projects
• Monitor compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other relevant regulatory and contractual frameworks
• Report program status to senior leadership and facilitate cross-functional alignment

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required (due to export-controlled product requirements)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or equivalent technical experience
• 3+ years of experience managing programs in a defense, aerospace, or manufacturing setting
• Familiarity with shop floor operations, production planning, and engineering workflows
• PMP or DAU Level 3 certification a plus but not required
• Experience working with DoD, FAR/DFARS contracts, or other government-regulated projects
• Excellent communication and organizational skills across technical and non-technical teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, regulated environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance

Why Join

• Be part of a mission-focused organization supporting the U.S. military and first responders
• Lead programs with visibility, ownership, and direct customer interaction
• Work in a facility with full in-house design, engineering, production, and testing capabilities
• Strong compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability
• 401(k) with company match, PTO, and paid holidays
• Flat structure, small teams, big impact

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