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 - they're 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 Petersen's 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 Petersen's 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

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical field (Master's 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 You'll Love Working Here

At Petersen, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on projects that shape the future of Aerospace, Space, and Defense. You'll 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.