Senior Principal Program Manager

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high‑energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 clean rooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state‑of‑the‑art facility with advanced clean rooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting‑edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world‑class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high‑tech engineering with hands‑on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production.

If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

This role is responsible for leading integrated product teams (IPTs) through the lifecycle of a program. The Senior Principal Program Manager will coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to guide a program from initial bid to the customer through completion. The program manager is the quarterback of the integrated product team and ensures all functional roles are working together effectively towards the program goals.

A successful candidate will have deep experience managing cost, schedule, and system performance to ensure customer and business outcomes are met. This role also requires managing the Product Requirements Document (PRD), the Bill of Materials (BOM), refining and managing product specifications with the support of the engineering team, owning the integrated master schedule (IMS), defining the work breakdown structure (WBS), and making cost estimations throughout the program’s life.

The Senior Principal Program Manager will work with customers on a recurring basis to provide updates on program performance.

• Manage cost, schedule, and system performance for programs assigned
• Synchronize efforts of engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure program outcomes met
• Develop a strong working relationship with customers and guide programs to exceed customer expectations
• Problem solve and overcome challenges when programs encounter unexpected problems

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience working in a program or product management role
• 5+ years working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor
• Ability to receive a SECRET security clearance

• Master’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, Optical Eng or a related technical field
• 15+ years of experience working in a program or product management role
• 10+ years working for a defense focused supplier or prime defense contractor

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.