Program Manager M-F

Program Manager M/F

Published 07.28.2026

Company : Safran Electronics & Defense Job field : Programs Location : Rockford , Illinois , United States Contract type : Permanent Contract duration : Full-time Required degree : Bachelors Degree Required experience : More than 5 years Professional status : Professional, Engineer & Manager Salary range : $130,000 - $190,000 ITAR : ITAR Controlled position

# 2026-185022

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Published 07.28.2026

Job Description

Job Description - The Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution and performance of one or more programs within Safrans Actuation business. This role serves as the primary interface between customers and internal cross-functional teams, ensuring delivery of commitments related to quality, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.

Following Safrans recent acquisition of the Actuation business, the Program Manager will also play a key role in supporting business integration, product transfers, and operational stabilization activities. This position requires strong coordination across global teams, including international production sites, the UK Actuation leadership team, and Safran France leadership organizations.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Program Leadership

Lead assigned programs across the full lifecycle, including development, production, and sustainment

Own program performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD) metrics

Establish and manage program scope, schedule, and financial plans to ensure successful execution

Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to meet program commitments

Production & Sustaining Program Execution

Manage execution of production programs, ensuring on-time delivery (OTD) and quality performance

Coordinate with operations and supply chain teams to manage:

Line of balance deliveries

Material shortages and production constraints

Backlog recovery plans and prioritization

Interface with customers on delivery schedules, priorities, and issue resolution

Business Integration & Product Transfers

Support execution of product and industrial transfer activities associated with Actuation integration into Safran

Coordinate cross-functional and cross-site activities to ensure:

Continuity of supply

Quality performance

Customer delivery commitments

Contribute to broader business transformation and integration initiatives, including process alignment and operational improvements

Technical and Operational Oversight

Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure technical and operational execution remains on track

Support resolution of technical or industrial issues through structured problem-solving and cross-functional coordination

Monitor program milestones and proactively address risks to schedule and performance

Financial and Risk Management

Manage program financial performance, including:

Cost tracking and control

Variance analysis

Margin performance

Identify and mitigate program risks and opportunities

Support development and execution of recovery plans where performance gaps exist

Job Requirements

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary interface with assigned customers

Lead program reviews, status updates, and escalation discussions

Communicate program performance clearly and proactively to both internal and external stakeholders

Global Collaboration

Work closely with international production sites to align on program execution and delivery performance

Interface regularly with:

UK Actuation leadership team

Safran France leadership and global business units

Drive alignment across global teams to ensure consistent program outcomes

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

Mentor peers and emerging project managers to foster continuous improvement, setting measurable goals and reinforcing best practices across the team.

Required Competencies:

Education / Experience:

Required

Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Experience in program management, project management, or a related role within aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments

Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills

Ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders

Preferred

Experience in aerospace systems, actuation, or electromechanical products

Experience supporting industrial transfers, integration efforts, or business transformations

Experience working with global teams and international stakeholders

Skills and Abilities:

Program Execution & Leadership

Strong ownership mindset with ability to drive results across functions

Ability to manage competing priorities and complex program dynamics

Technical & Business Acumen

Understanding of manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain processes

Financial awareness including cost control and margin performance

Communication & Influence

Ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and executive stakeholders

Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across a global organization

Adaptability & Change Management

Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, transforming environment

Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving structure during periods of change

Certifications & Security:

PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications are a strong plus

U.S. citizen with eligibility for obtaining U.S. government clearances, if needed (not required)

But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)

Additional Information:

Travel may be required (up to ~25%) to support customer engagements, supplier coordination, and global site alignment

This role is based in Rockford, IL and supports both local and global program activities

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazines ""Worlds Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Locate your future workplace

4747 Harrison Ave, M/S 298-6 61108

Rockford

Illinois United States

Copy Address

100,000

employees worldwide

27

Number of countries where Safran is located

35

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