Program Manager

Our client has an exciting opportunity for a Program Manager to join the team in Mahwah, NJ. The Program Manager is responsible to manage the schedule and integration of programs and technical activities including requirements definition, design, development, test, validation, deployment and postproduction support. This position will have accountability for project schedules, project management, and performance requirements. This is a highly cross-functional and collaborative role, and bridges customer, engineering, production, and sales. We expect the individual to have a strong desire to roll up sleeves and learn or understand a wide breadth of technical details.
Primary Roles Duties and Responsibilities:
* Responsible for ensuring all of the project requirements are correctly gathered, understood and properly translated for execution.
* Develop, define and manage project plans and schedules to ensure on-time delivery.
* Manage development of project plans with focus on achievement of project goals including critical path analysis and use of performance metrics to ensure program success within scope, quality, time and cost constraints.
* Drive project/program tasks to completion in accordance with the project schedule.
* Coordinate the efforts of the team to develop an integrated project plan and risk analysis with action plans to mitigate risks.
* Review project schedules with functional managers and project coordinators.
* Work closely with engineering teams to effectively coordinate design inter-dependencies.
* Facilitate technical discussions and participate to resolve issues.
* Manage and facilitate program meetings and working sessions.
* Provide leaders with regular project status updates, including issues and opportunities for improvement and identification of corrective actions (if required).
* Recognize potential problem areas against the plan and identify and implement alternative solutions.
* Design clear and consistent messages for a variety of diverse audiences, ensuring relevance and effectiveness of delivery.
* Exemplary verbal/written communication skills required for multi-faceted interactions with all levels of personnel within the organization, as well as any and all outside agents, including but not limited to; vendors, suppliers, customers, etc.

Qualifications and Education:
* B.S. in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and 5 - 10 years work experience or equivalent with 4 years of managing Defense projects.
* Excellent understanding of the DOD program management process and methodology (experience elaborating CDRL and preparing key milestones such as SSR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PRR...)
* Excellent understanding of various MIL Specifications and requirements.
* Understanding of basic PM principles, such as those promoted by PMI.
* Excellent organization, time management and prioritization skills.
* Experience with electronic product manufacturing or product development in a small business environment (military applications preferred).
* Motivated, positive, self-started with strong work ethics.
* Demonstrated ability to make timely and effective decisions, handle multiple priorities and delegate responsibilities to ensure high quality service is delivered on time.
* Proficiency in use of personal computers, Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and e-mail skills required.