Senior Manager, Project Management (Defense Programs)

Elma Electronic; Lawrenceville (GA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Elma Electronic in Lawrenceville, GA, is seeking a Senior Manager, Project Management to lead a portfolio of complex customer programs from concept through production and lifecycle support. This onsite role involves 20% travel to locations including Fremont, CA and Horsham, PA, and requires strong cross-functional leadership across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.

The role emphasizes end-to-end project execution, customer interfacing, budget and risk management, and delivering on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of project management in electronics, aerospace, or regulated tech industries.
• Experience leading projects from development to production.
• Strong understanding of product development and electronics manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple programs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of 5–10 concurrent programs involving rugged embedded computing systems and defense applications.
• Develop schedules, budgets, milestones, risk registers, and resource plans.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Production, and Customer Support.
• Monitor program performance and address schedule, cost, scope, and technical risks.
• Lead customer reviews, design reviews, production readiness activities, and executive status reporting.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Schedule management

Risk management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Project Management, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Project management software

Job description

Lead Mission-Critical Programs That Matter

At Elma Electronic, we design and manufacture rugged embedded computing solutions that power some of the most demanding defense, aerospace, and industrial applications in the world. We are seeking a Senior Manager, Project Management to lead a portfolio of complex customer programs from concept through production and lifecycle support. This is a highly visible leadership role where you will partner with customers, engineers, operations, and executive leadership to deliver innovative solutions that support critical missions. This is an onsite role in Lawrenceville, GA, with approximately 20% travel to Elma locations, including Fremont, CA and Horsham, PA.

If you thrive in fast-paced technical environments, excel at leading cross-functional teams, and enjoy bringing complex projects to successful completion, we would like to hear from you.

As a Senior Manager, Project Management, you will:

• Lead a portfolio of 5–10 concurrent customer programs involving rugged embedded computing systems and defense applications
• Drive projects through the entire lifecycle, including development, prototyping, qualification, production release, manufacturing, and post-delivery support
• Serve as the primary customer interface, building trusted relationships with customer program managers and engineering teams
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, milestones, risk registers, and resource plans
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Production, and Customer Support
• Monitor program performance and proactively address schedule, cost, scope, and technical risks
• Support quotations, change orders, project profitability, and financial reporting
• Lead customer reviews, design reviews, production readiness activities, and executive status reporting
• Champion project management best practices across a portfolio of complex technical programs

What We Are Looking For (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Project Management, or a related field
• 7+ years of project management experience in electronics manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated technical industries
• Experience managing projects from development through production
• Strong understanding of product development, engineering processes, and electronics manufacturing
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple complex programs simultaneously
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills
• Experience with ERP and project management system

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent certification
• Experience with rugged electronics, embedded computing systems, or military hardware
• Knowledge of PCB manufacturing, electronics assembly, systems integration, and electro-mechanical processes
• Experience working in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of ITAR regulations and defense industry requirements

We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Career growth and leadership development opportunities
• Collaborative and innovative culture

Ready to lead complex defense programs from concept to deployment? Apply today and help shape the future of rugged electronics and embedded computing at Elma Electronic.

Elma Electronic Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

In accordance with U.S. government regulations, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Certain positions may require access to information controlled under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR.