Strategic Shipbuilding Program Lead

Shipbuilders of Wisconsin; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Shipbuilders of Wisconsin is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex shipbuilding programs from contract handoff through construction, testing, delivery and warranty support. You will coordinate across engineering, supply chain, production, quality and finance to meet scope, schedule, cost, safety and quality objectives.

This role interfaces with customers, owner’s representatives, class/regulatory agencies and senior leadership, driving risk management, cross-functional decisions, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Business, Project Management, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in shipbuilding, vessel repair, marine manufacturing, or complex industrial program management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage program scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk across multiple stakeholders in a production environment.
• Working knowledge of ship construction processes, contract specifications, change management, and class/regulatory requirements is preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate with customers and executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams through all phases of ship construction, integration, testing, sea trials, delivery, and post-delivery support.
• Serve as primary contact for customer, owner’s representatives, class/regulatory agencies, and senior leadership on program matters.
• Develop and manage integrated program plans, critical path schedules, milestones, and status reporting for on-time execution.
• Monitor program budgets, labor performance, material commitments, and forecasted costs; escalate variances and drive recovery plans.
• Coordinate with engineering, supply chain, and production to ensure timely release of drawings and procurement of materials and equipment.
• Manage program risks, technical issues, and schedule constraints with mitigation strategies and timely decisions.
• Oversee contract compliance, change control, and configuration management throughout vessel build process.
• Support inspections, testing, commissioning, and regulatory/class interactions to meet customer requirements and quality standards.
• Champion continuous improvement and standard work to strengthen program execution and shipyard performance.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Risk management

Budget and cost control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Marine/Business/Project Management

Tools

Syteline

ERP scheduling tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Shipbuilders of Wisconsin is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex shipbuilding programs from contract handoff through construction, testing, delivery and warranty support. You will coordinate across engineering, supply chain, production, quality and finance to meet scope, schedule, cost, safety and quality objectives.

This role interfaces with customers, owner’s representatives, class/regulatory agencies and senior leadership, driving risk management, cross-functional decisions, and