Program Manager

Ontic; West Chatsworth (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontic is seeking a highly technical Program Manager to support Make/Buy and Inventory Management across aerospace manufacturing programs. You will drive manufacturing planning, supplier coordination, production readiness, and make/buy decision implementation.

You will work cross‑functionally with engineering, operations, and external suppliers to ensure alignment between program requirements and operational capabilities, while leading risk management and schedule execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years aerospace manufacturing engineering and/or production operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing methods, tooling, fabrication, assembly, and production processes.
• Experience managing technical projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing documentation processes.
• Strong problem-solving and technical communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and coordinate multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution tracking, technical risk management, milestone delivery, and cross-functional coordination activities.
• Partner with engineering and operations teams to evaluate manufacturability, production capability, and sourcing strategy.
• Drive manufacturing execution planning, supplier coordination, production readiness, and material alignment activities.
• Coordinate build planning, manufacturing execution activities, process readiness, production support, and cross-functional issue resolution.
• Manage project schedules, action items, technical risks, and milestone execution.
• Evaluate internal manufacturing capabilities versus external supplier solutions.
• Support production issue resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to support manufacturing execution, quality improvement, material readiness, and production support activities.
• Ensure alignment between engineering requirements, manufacturing processes, and program objectives.
• Track program performance metrics including cost, schedule, yield, throughput, and quality.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, manufacturability, and cost reduction.

Skills

Problem-solving

Technical communication

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Lean Six Sigma

AS9100 knowledge

Job description

We are a fast‑paced business with ambitious growth plans; so if you are dedicated, enthusiastic and always seeking ways to improve, you'll enjoy a career with us!

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly technical Program Manager to support Make/Buy and Inventory Management initiatives across aerospace manufacturing programs. This role is responsible for driving operational execution related to manufacturing planning, supplier coordination, production readiness, inventory alignment, and make/buy decision implementation.

The Program Manager will work cross‑functionally with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, quality, operations, and external suppliers to support production execution, resolve manufacturing and material constraints, and ensure alignment between program requirements and operational capabilities.

The ideal candidate combines hands‑on aerospace manufacturing engineering experience with strong execution, coordination, and problem‑solving capabilities in a fast‑paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead execution tracking, technical risk management, milestone delivery, and cross‑functional coordination activities.
• Partner with engineering and operations teams to evaluate manufacturability, production capability, and sourcing strategy.
• Drive manufacturing execution planning, supplier coordination, production readiness, and material alignment activities.
• Coordinate build planning, manufacturing execution activities, process readiness, production support, and cross‑functional issue resolution.
• Manage project schedules, action items, technical risks, and milestone execution.
• Evaluate internal manufacturing capabilities versus external supplier solutions.
• Support production issue resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to support manufacturing execution, quality improvement, material readiness, and production support activities.
• Ensure alignment between engineering requirements, manufacturing processes, and program objectives.
• Track program performance metrics including cost, schedule, yield, throughput, and quality.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, manufacturability, and cost reduction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of aerospace manufacturing engineering and/or production operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing methods, tooling, fabrication, assembly, and production processes.
• Experience managing technical projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing documentation processes.
• Strong problem‑solving and technical communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional technical teams and coordinate multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification preferred.
• Experience with AS9100 and aerospace quality systems.
• Background in composites, machining, assembly, structures, propulsion, or avionics manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with production transfer, supplier development, or factory readiness initiatives.

Compensation Pay Range

Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary is determined by a combination of factors, including experience and qualifications, and is set in line with market trends. Please refer to our internal guidelines for specific ranges.

Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22. C.F.R. 120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.