Production Program Manager; R&D

R&D Production Program Manager

The R&D Production Program Manager is responsible for driving execution across the engineering product development lifecycle for aerospace and defense programs—from concept, design, and prototyping through qualification, production transition, and sustained manufacturing. This role requires a technical leader with a strong background in Department of Defense (DoD) and/or aerospace programs, capable of balancing engineering rigor with program management excellence. The successful candidate will be a proactive, hands‑on contributor who manages and performs engineering and program tasks related to pneumatic, mechanical, and electro‑mechanical components, assemblies, and systems of varying complexity.

• Lead cross‑functional programs focused on developing and industrializing new products, processes, materials, or production capabilities.
• Build and maintain detailed program schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk assessments.
• Drive execution of prototype fabrication and early‑stage manufacturing activities, ensuring readiness for scale‑up.
• Collaborate with production, fabrication, and assembly teams to ensure manufacturability, repeatability, and efficient transfer of new technologies into production workflows.
• Monitor program performance and provide regular status updates, dashboards, and reports to leadership and stakeholders.
• Facilitate design reviews, technical discussions, and issue resolution meetings.
• Identify program risks, develop mitigation strategies, and lead corrective action efforts as needed.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines during development and pilot production phases.
• Manage supplier engagement for prototype parts, testing, and new technology introduction.
• Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and integrating best practices into future programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D, product development, advanced manufacturing, or program management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, prototype builds, and new product introduction (NPI).
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi‑disciplinary programs.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with program management tools, scheduling software, and engineering documentation systems.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities and technical ambiguity.

• Previous experience supporting DoD acquisition programs and/or aerospace systems development.
• Familiarity with AS9100, MIL‑STD‑810, or other DoD and aerospace quality and compliance standards.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Knowledge of airborne weapon systems and/or weapon carriage equipment is strongly desirable.

This position must meet export‑control compliance requirements. All applicants must be “U.S. persons” within the meaning of ITAR, as defined: a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee.

The Marvin Group is an EEO/Disability/Vets Employer.

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