Program Manager - Manufacturing

Company Description

Lapmaster Wolters is a leading global supplier of precision machine tools and semiconductor wafer processing equipment headquartered in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs near O’Hare Airport. Our diverse team works with a broad variety of industries and technologies. Our technical expertise includes Precision Machining, Motion Control, Robotics, Automation, Machine Design, and Process Expertise on a wide range of materials. Our customers include small, mid‑size and Fortune 100 companies across Semiconductor, Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace, Precision Bearings, Optics/Electro‑optics, Industrial Equipment, and Medical Devices.

With over 60 years of experience, Lapmaster Wolters has a proven history of developing cost‑effective solutions for virtually any application requiring precision machining, flatness, parallelism, roundness, or surface finish.

Lapmaster is seeking an experienced Program Manager to oversee the successful execution of projects primarily involving high‑precision machine tools. These projects are fast‑paced, challenging, and have a significant impact on the future of the company. The Program Manager will bridge the gap between design and factory floors, managing timelines, budgets, and production scaling while tracking performance via metrics.

• Work with sales and marketing to gather and compile inputs from internal experts, market studies, strategic customers, and external consultants when appropriate.
• Work with management and engineering staff to document scope, features, design requirements, budget, and timeline for each major project using Stage‑Gate methodology to drive efficiency in new product development.
• Define resource requirements and skills needed for successful project execution, with particular emphasis on identifying resource gaps at the beginning of each project and at periodic checkpoints.
• Compile project plans using Microsoft Project (or other project‑management software) to define dependencies, milestones, specific tasks, deadlines, etc., then track execution and provide regular updates to management.
• Communicate directly with key stakeholders and project participants from Management, Sales, Engineering, Procurement, and Manufacturing to identify and resolve issues quickly and keep the project on schedule.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams including engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, procurement, and operations, which may include external specialists or consultants and may be distributed across multiple locations and time zones.
• Manage budgets, balance resources across multiple projects, and ensure capacities meet demand spikes.
• Identify blockers such as material shortages or equipment failures and develop rapid‑response solutions to keep projects on track.
• Drive documentation efforts throughout all phases of project execution to enable a smooth transition from prototype build to production release, including assembly procedures, quality metrics, installation, and maintenance manuals.
• Coordinate crating, rigging, and shipment of machines to customer locations.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 5+ years of program management experience.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and manage changing priorities.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing methods, preferably in high‑precision automated machine tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including effective use of Teams or similar web‑based meeting software.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

• 401(k) with Matching
• Medical Insurance (Company contribution for Dependents)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company‑Paid Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• Company‑Paid Life & AD&D
• Vacation, Sick, Holidays
• EAP

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). Lapmaster provides equal employment opportunities and affirmative action to all qualified individuals. All personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, protected veteran, or disability status.