SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO!

RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including – Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in Rochester, RPO offers exciting career paths and work on market-leading programs. See below one of many career opportunities to join the RPO team!

Job Summary:

The Program Manager will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of custom precision optical Programs from inception to completion, ensuring they align with customer contracts and company standards. This role requires technical responsibility and management of cross-functional teams, maintaining communication with internal and external stakeholders, adhering to Program Management Professional (PMP) standards to deliver Programs on time, within scope, and within budget.

You Will:

Program Planning and Initiation

• Develop detailed Program plans, including scope, schedule, cost, and resource allocation, in collaboration with engineering, operations, business development & contracts.
• Influence the design, development, test and verification of applicable Programs to ensure the end-product meets contract requirements & provides exceptional customer value.
• Define Program objectives, deliverables, criteria for success, and resource allocation requirements, ensuring alignment with contract requirements and business objectives.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the principal engineering/operations point of contact for customers, ensuring clear and consistent communication regarding Program status, milestones, and deliverables.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, provide regular updates, and address challenges and concerns promptly upstream.
• Perform as the “Voice of the Customer” as it pertains to product design, technical performance, and end-item deliverable requirements; provide technical stewardship of the engineering/operations effort for the entire program to ensure the product meets customer programmatic and technical requirements.

Resource Management

• Coordinate with operations leadership and department managers to allocate appropriate resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to ensure Program success.
• Monitor resource utilization and make adjustments as necessary to meet Program demands and maintain schedule of performance.
• Participate in Program costing and quoting to ensure all applicable resource allocations are budgeted to meet contract requirements and business objectives.

Risk Management

• Identify Program risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact on Program timelines and deliverables.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, draft and implement contingency plans as required.
• Ensure risks and their potential impacts are appropriately scoped in Program budgets.

Program Execution & Monitoring

• Lead cross-functional Programs teams, ensuring adherence to Program plans and timelines.
• Monitor Program progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and implement corrective actions to address deviations from the plan.
• Maintain a firm hold of Program performance and address changes in scope directly with Contracts & customers in pursuit of accurate change orders.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all Program deliverables meet the quality standards and contract requirements.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to conduct inspections, tests, and reviews throughout the Program lifecycle.
• Prioritize Program conformance to contract requirements and applicable quality standards.

Budget and Cost Control

• Develop and manage Program budgets, ensuring all expenses are tracked and controlled.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and make recommendations to optimize program budgets and reduce manufacturing costs to maximize program profitability.
• Contribute to Program costing/quoting with sound financial data and costed risks assessments.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive Program documentation, including plans, reports, and records.
• Prepare and present regular Program status reports to senior management and applicable stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and thorough financial reporting on Program performance, including revenue recognition, operating costs, and profitability.

You Have:

• In-depth knowledge of Program Management.
• Familiar with Program Management requirements and standards within a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contract ecosystem or advanced commercial products manufacturing environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of, and familiarity with, complete Office suite of products to include Microsoft Project & Excel.
• Intimately familiar with ERP software in a manufacturing environment (e.g., EPICOR, Oracle, et. al.)
• Team building skills which enable strong collaboration and coordination within cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated leadership skills (including soft skills, strategic thinking, team building, and relationship management).
• Technical leadership and ownership of Program(s) working within a Business-to-Business (B2B) engineered products environment and/or a Business-to-Government (B2G) contract structure.
• Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification strongly preferred.

You Are:

• Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level-up.
• Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge.
• Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail.
• Analytical: Possess a “If there’s a problem, I’ll find a solution” attitude.
• Accountable: Demanding the highest quality from yourself and team members.
• Detail-Oriented: Have excellent time management and organizational skills.
• A Team Player: Reliable, collaborative, flexible with a positive ‘get things done’ attitude.
• A U.S. Person: Compliant with ITAR, EAR and other laws and regulations as defined: “U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty.”

You Will Enjoy:

• Growth: The opportunity to learn and advance your career, internal training and advancement opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Wealth: Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance, a 401(k) with company match, company contributions to medical savings plans.
• Wellness: Health, Dental, Vision Insurance. Company provided Life Insurance and Disability Insurance.
• Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick time
• Culture: an energetic, value-driven team where you will experience the reward of meaningful work!

Environment & Physical Demands:

• Professional office environment with routine use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machine; noise level typical of a standard office environment
• Prolonged sitting, computer and telephone use, as well as standing, filing, bending, reaching and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds
• Exposure to manufacturing plant floor requiring the use of personal protective equipment (ear plugs, safety glasses, etc.)
• Occasional travel required for customer and program meetings/coordination.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer:

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Rochester Precision Optics is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people.

EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.