Engineering Program Manager

Program Manager (Customer Focused Team Leader)

Location: Ogden Utah
Reports To: Director of Engineering

Come Join Our Team!

At Petersen our team members are not just employees theyre part of the Petersen / Precinmac community. We recognize that a company is only as strong as its team members and ours are exceptional!

Petersen offers a competitive benefits package including:

• 4x10 work schedule with some overtime required
• Competitive wages and quarterly bonuses
• Comprehensive wellness program
• Medical dental and vision coverage
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• On-the-job training
• Employee engagement activities and community events

Join a company that invests in you where innovation collaboration and continuous improvement drive everything we do.

Position Summary

The Program Manager (Customer Focused Team Leader) is a critical leadership role responsible for driving the successful execution of complex machining fabrication and assembly projects within Petersens Aerospace Defense and Space markets.

This role leads a dedicated cross-functional team including engineering quality and operations personnel to ensure projects are executed on time within budget and to the highest quality standards. The Program Manager serves as the primary liaison between Petersen and the customer ensuring alignment on scope cost schedule and performance goals while fostering long-term strategic partnerships.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead multiple mid-sized to large-scale customer programs from concept through delivery.
• Plan organize and execute projects manufactured in the Ogden facility.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project schedules budgets and deliverables.
• Coordinate and guide the work of mechanical electrical and automation engineers.
• Drive project reviews and ensure milestone achievement on-time delivery and adherence to specifications.
• Oversee technical problem-solving engineering support and production planning.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers.
• Collaborate with Business Development on quotations and contract reviews.
• Review purchase orders and ensure full contract alignment before production.
• Maintain continuous communication with customers regarding project progress risks and issues.
• Manage and resolve scope changes delivery modifications and quality concerns collaboratively.
• Negotiate effectively on behalf of Petersen to ensure profitable and compliant program execution.

Operational Excellence

• Review and approve routing process flow and cost estimates.
• Coordinate production schedules and resolve conflicts with Production Control.
• Monitor project milestones critical paths and recovery plans for delayed tasks.
• Review and approve invoices manage rework costs and ensure accurate job notes.
• Drive adherence to company 5S Lean and Continuous Improvement standards.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.

Quality Safety & Compliance

• Uphold Petersens strong safety culture and lead by example on the shop floor.
• Support quality planning inspection processes and corrective action efforts.
• Facilitate root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective/preventive actions.
• Manage both internal and customer-driven non-conformance reports.
• Ensure compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead mentor and develop a team of engineers and technicians.
• Provide regular feedback coaching and performance evaluations.
• Support recruiting training and professional development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering or a related technical field (Masters preferred).
• 10 years of progressive experience in engineering or project/program management.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects exceeding $10M in contract value.
• Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing cross-functional teams.
• Experience in Aerospace Defense or Space manufacturing environments.
• Strong customer relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Project Visual)
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Lean/Continuous Improvement mindset and experience implementing process improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent.
• Familiarity with process engineering and manufacturing workflows.
• Demonstrated success leading teams through technical and operational transformations.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Regularly required to stand walk reach overhead and bend.
• Occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force.
• Frequent time spent on the shop floor in a manufacturing environment including exposure to:
  • High noise levels from operating machinery
  • Moving equipment and production components
  • Fumes dust and mist
  • Oils cutting fluids and welding flash
• Must maintain consistent attendance and be available for overtime as business needs require.
• Periodic travel to customer and supplier sites as necessary.

Performance Accountabilities

• On-time delivery and schedule adherence
• Program cost control and profitability
• Customer satisfaction and communication quality
• Continuous improvement engagement
• Quality metrics and defect reduction

Why Youll Love Working Here

At Petersen youll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on projects that shape the future of Aerospace Space and Defense. Youll work alongside a talented dedicated team driven by integrity innovation and excellence. Your leadership will help ensure that our customers most critical missions are delivered with precision and pride.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Petersen is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and ensure equal consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender national origin disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic.

Location

This is a full-time on-site position based in Ogden Utah.