Cadrex is seeking a Program Manager with a strong government and defense background to lead complex, high-visibility programs supporting aerospace and defense customers. This role is responsible for the end-to-end execution of customer programs, including New Product Introduction (NPI), production execution, and lifecycle management, with full ownership of schedule, cost, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing DoD or prime contractor programs (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon) and be comfortable operating in a structured, compliance-driven environment with formal program governance, reporting, and risk management processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Program Leadership & Execution

• Serve as the primary program owner with full Responsibility, Authority, and Accountability (RAA) for delivery across technical, schedule, cost, and quality commitments
• Lead the execution of government/defense programs from development through production and delivery
• Develop and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), ensuring alignment with contractual milestones and internal production capabilities
• Drive cross-functional execution across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and operations

 Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary interface with government customers and/or prime contractors (e.g., Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman)
• Lead program reviews, technical discussions, and executive-level presentations with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage customer expectations, contract deliverables, and program communications to ensure alignment and satisfaction
• Drive and lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and ongoing program status updates

 Program Controls & Financial Management

• Manage program financial performance, including budgets, cost tracking, margin, and forecasting
• Apply structured program management methodologies such as Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar tracking tools
• Monitor and report program KPIs, including schedule adherence, cost performance, delivery, and quality metrics
• Lead pricing updates, cost improvement initiatives, and financial performance reviews across the program lifecycle

 Risk & Change Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, maintaining active risk registers and mitigation plans
• Lead cross-functional teams to proactively address technical, schedule, and supply chain risks
• Ensure effective change management processes are followed, including scope, cost, and schedule impacts
• Drive rapid issue resolution through structured problem-solving and escalation processes

 New Product Introduction (NPI) & Production Transition 

• Lead and coordinate NPI programs, ensuring successful transition from development into full-rate production
• Oversee design reviews, validation activities, and manufacturing readiness in alignment with customer expectations
• Maintain visibility into multi-part program portfolios (50–100+ parts), ensuring milestone and delivery tracking
• Ensure alignment between customer requirements and internal manufacturing capabilities

 REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 6+ years of Program Management experience within aerospace, defense, or government programs
• Proven experience managing DoD programs or working with prime contractors such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, or Raytheon
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs with full ownership of schedule, cost, and technical performance
• Experience developing and managing Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and program milestones
• Strong background in customer-facing program leadership, including executive-level communication and presentations
• Experience working in highly regulated environments with structured program governance and reporting
• Proven ability to manage program financials, including budgets, forecasting, and cost control
• Experience with risk management, change control, and program reporting (R/Y/G status)
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience working with Boeing strongly preferred
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar program control methodologies
• Background in aerospace manufacturing, complex assemblies, or mission-critical systems
• Experience supporting build-to-print or contract manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with AS9100 or similar aerospace quality standards
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training preferred

 EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in related field

LOCATION

• Onsite

SCHEDULE

• M-F

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high places, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and may require hearing protection in specific locations.

CADREX’S CORE VALUES

• Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees 

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com. 

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.