Program Manager

Program Manager

Location:

Anaheim, CA

The Program Manager at Cristek leads multidisciplinary teams in the execution of strategic customer projects and programs within the aerospace and defense sectors. The role ensures on‑time, on‑budget delivery of high‑reliability products, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and cross‑functional collaboration. Reporting to the Director of Program Management, the Program Manager owns key customer relationships and plays a critical role in aligning project execution with Cristek’s strategic objectives.

This position requires a balance of technical proficiency, communication, and leadership skills to manage all phases of program life cycles from proposal through delivery.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned product and/or customer programs.
• Lead cross‑functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to deliver program goals.
• Manage all phases of assigned programs, including proposal, kickoff, planning, execution, delivery, and post‑delivery support.
• Maintain project schedules, budgets, risk analysis, procurement plans, subcontract management plans, and staffing plans.
• Track and communicate program status, milestones, and issues to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure program compliance with customer requirements, internal standards, and contractual obligations.
• Facilitate problem‑solving and continuous improvement initiatives across program teams.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers to ensure satisfaction, generate new business, and capture repeat business.

• Knowledge of aerospace and defense industry standards and customer requirements.
• Project management principles and tools (e.g., Gantt charts, risk matrices).
• Contract management and negotiation.
• ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP), CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lead and motivate cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Effective communication with internal teams and external customers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing resources.
• Proactive risk and issue identification and resolution.
• Interpretation of technical data and customer specifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• PMP Certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of project or program management experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing.
• Minimum of 5 years of customer‑facing experience.
• Experience in contract management and cross‑functional leadership.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting up to 15 pounds.
• May require occasional travel to customer sites or other company locations.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and adhere to safety protocols.

Cristek offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k) with matching, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, and growth participation units.

Cristek is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.

With over 40 years of expertise designing and manufacturing micro‑miniature and nano‑miniature connectors, complex cable assemblies, twist capsules and mechanisms, the Cristek group offers tailored solutions to seamlessly connect you to your mission. The group’s consistent, near‑perfect performance has earned a position as a preferred supplier to several major military/aerospace prime contractors and is a testament to its ability to operate a process‑disciplined and metric‑based business while maintaining its customer‑focused, entrepreneurial roots.

Cristek is a Qnnect Company, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, with revenues above $80 million and ~350 employees across multiple locations, and is certified in many industry standards (AS9100, NADCAP, etc.) and compliant with U.S. government DFAR and ITAR requirements.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Project Management and Information Technology