Space Optics Program Manager

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc.; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. in Meriden, CT, is seeking a Technical Project Manager to lead Space and Fusion Energy optics programs from concept through delivery. You’ll manage cross-functional teams, schedules, budgets, and customer requirements to ensure technical performance and on-time results.

Candidate will coordinate engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality activities, drive risk mitigation, and oversee production readiness and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s, PhD degree preferred).
• Management training & experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing technical or engineering projects in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering design processes and product lifecycle management.
• Experience with complex assemblies, precision systems, or high-performance hardware preferred.
• Familiarity with quality systems (ISO, AS9100, or similar).
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, other).
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, technical requirements, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with engineering leadership and customers.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans including engineering design phases, procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, optical, electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, etc.).
• Manage design reviews (PDR, CDR), technical readiness reviews, and production readiness milestones.
• Identify technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Track cost performance, labor utilization, material expenditures, and forecast completion costs.
• Ensure configuration control and proper documentation throughout development and production.
• Oversee supplier performance, long-lead procurements, and subcontractor deliverables.
• Lead customer communications, status reviews, and technical interchange meetings.
• Support transition from development to production, including validation, qualification, and acceptance testing.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering execution and project management processes.

Skills

Project management

Technical leadership

Cross-functional coordination

MS Project

Engineering drawings interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. in Meriden, CT, is seeking a Technical Project Manager to lead Space and Fusion Energy optics programs from concept through delivery. You’ll manage cross-functional teams, schedules, budgets, and customer requirements to ensure technical performance and on-time results.

Candidate will coordinate engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality activities, drive risk mitigation, and oversee production readiness and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.