Principal Program Manager

With a focus on customer satisfaction, the Principal Program Manager manages multiple new or ongoing key customer contracts which represent a higher level of complexity, technical requirements, and/or represent substantial current/future revenue.

Leads cross functional teams to complete projects and provide deliverables within contractual requirements, while maintaining or exceeding budgeted financial performance.

Identifies necessary materials and resources, develops, and drives project schedules, and actively works to resolve internal and external risks.

May also be responsible for other, less complex programs or new product introductions which have the potential for expanding Coherent Aerospace & Defense business.

Acts as the primary customer interface for all assigned programs.

Leads the development and booking activities for potential follow-on or new contracts with assigned customers.

May also be responsible for identifying, developing contacts, and booking new business within current markets.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities


* In partnership with Engineering and Operations, determines necessary resources, materials and capacity for assigned programs.

Develops outcome-driven Statements of Work, budgets and program schedules to meet contractual objectives, necessary milestones and desired financial performance.


* Proactively identifies areas of risk and takes appropriate action to mitigate these risks using risk management processes.


* Drives program schedules to ensure on time delivery.

Works with Engineering and Operations to develop schedule recovery plans when necessary.


* Tracks program budgets on a regular basis.

Actual costs incurred, cost commitments and estimated cost at completion are reviewed and updated timely and accurately.

Works with Finance partner to develop monthly EAC's on each program.


* Provides monthly reports on program performance, including schedule, quality, and profitability, in sufficient detail to support discussions with multiple levels of management.


* Maintains regular and professional contact with the customer throughout the life of the program.

Ensures the customer is promptly informed of issues which may affect quality or delivery, as well as concerns related to increased scope and additional funding requirements.


* Customer requests and concerns are explored, weighed, and presented appropriately to management/departments to be addressed.


* When necessary, facilitates the partnering of Engineering and/or Operations with the customer to improve upon the design and manufacturability of the product.


* Capable of leading all aspects of customer interchange meetings.


* Leads and mentors the Integrated Product Team and works collaboratively with Technical Managers to ensure program cost, schedule and technical performance objectives are satisfied.


* Effectively documents and maintains contract files with all communications that clearly describe the histo...