Program Manager

Program Manager The Program Manager is responsible for the execution of all aspects of the program to ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with technical and contractual requirements, schedules, and budgets. The Program Manager is the focal point for the company for communications with the customer (internal / external) and is responsible to ensure customer requirements are flowed down to all functional departments.

Who are we?

Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisted in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed. Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets.

We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications. Our Facility in Appleton, WI manufactures state-of-the-art circuit boards for Aerospace and Defense as well as Industrial and Medical Industries.

Job Summary:

Act as the primary liaison between Ducommun and its customers, managing communication, scorecards, surveys, and leading program reviews.

Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to align internal stakeholders with customer requirements, schedules, and recovery plans

Represent the company in customer and external interactions, ensuring timely updates on cost, quality, and schedule impacts

Oversee contract compliance by reviewing terms, preparing negotiation strategies, and managing customer deliverables

Coordinate with Operations Management on staffing, capital planning, and performance to support program execution

Monitor program financials, including cost, margin, schedule performance, and cash flow forecasting

Track and manage business unit bookings, backlog, sales, receivables, and drive new business capture strategies

Lead proposal efforts for new and follow-on business, including coordinating estimating, schedules, and customer submittals

Support continuous improvement through Lean, Kaizen, and cost-reduction initiatives aligned with customer and company goals

Travel to customer sites approximately 30% of the time Required Skills and

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required (or equivalent experience with VP approval)3–7+ years of experience in aerospace or manufacturing environments

Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

Ability to manage programs through influence and cross-functional collaboration

Excellent verbal and written communication across all organizational levels

Experience in production control, project/program management, or contracts management

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Detail-oriented with a customer service mindset

Understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles

Familiarity with MRP systems

Ability to travel up to 30

Preferred Skills and EducationMBA degreePMP, CAPM, or Contracts Administration certification

Experience managing programs valued at $10–25 million or more Supervisory experience

Direct involvement with DCAA/DCMA audits

Experience leading proposal teams and managing large-scale bids Track record of driving process improvements and cost reduction initiatives

Equal Opportunity Employer
Veterans/Disabled
2222 East Pensar Drive Appleton, Wisconsin, 54911

United States