Program Manager - Site Launch & Readiness

The Program Manager – Site Launch & Readiness plays a pivotal role in establishing Janicki’s new Montana campus, ensuring the site is operationally ready, financially sound, and aligned with long-term strategic objectives. This role requires exceptional technical fluency, rigorous attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights.

This position is located on-site in Great Falls, Montana.

This position serves as the central coordination point for all site‑launch activities, including cost tracking, production readiness planning, milestone development, and cross-functional alignment. The Program Manager partners closely with engineering, operations, finance, facilities, supply chain, and executive leadership to ensure the Montana expansion is executed on schedule, within budget, and with full transparency.

The role also interfaces with local government stakeholders, community partners, and internal executives: preparing and presenting milestone updates, cost summaries, risk assessments, and readiness reports. Success requires strong analytical capability, disciplined program management, and the ability to create order, structure, and clarity in a fast-moving environment.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Site Execution

·         Lead Montana site launch- Own the full lifecycle of the site stand-up effort, from planning through operational readiness reporting to executive leadership.

·         Develop and maintain production readiness schedules, ensuring all functional teams meet critical path milestones.

·         Capture and manage all site-related costs, including capital expenditures, operational ramp-up costs, and burn-down tracking.

·         Create and maintain a centralized data environment for schedules, risks, costs, and status reporting.

·         Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation plans to protect schedule, cost, and operational objectives.

·         Coordinate cross-functional resources to ensure engineering, production, facilities, and support teams are aligned and adequately staffed.

·         Ensure compliance with internal standards, customer expectations, and applicable government requirements.

Executive & Government Reporting

·         Prepare milestone presentations for executive leadership, summarizing cost status, schedule performance, risks, and readiness.

·         Develop reporting packages for local government partners, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

·         Translate complex technical and financial data into clear, concise summaries for diverse audiences.

·         Maintain proactive communication with leadership, ensuring transparency and expectation alignment.

Cost Management & Financial Tracking

·         Own cost capture and burn-down reporting for the Montana site launch.

·         Develop cost models and forecasts to support decision-making and resource allocation.

·         Ensure financial accuracy through disciplined documentation, audit-ready tracking, and cross-functional validation.

·         Support capital planning and long-term budgeting for the new facility.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

·         Lead cross-functional launch teams across engineering, operations, facilities, and support groups.

·         Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows for all site-launch contributors.

·         Mentor junior project managers and support professional development within the program team as needed.

·         Foster a collaborative environment that encourages transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

·         Implement program management tools to drive schedule discipline, cost control, and data accuracy.

·         Develop and refine processes that support long-term site operations.

·         Maintain professionalism under pressure while managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.

·         Support organizational success through additional responsibilities as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

·         Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations, or related field.

·         Minimum 4 years of experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or complex industrial environments.

·         Demonstrated ability to manage cost tracking, financial reporting, and schedule performance.

·         Strong technical aptitude and ability to understand engineering, manufacturing, and facility requirements.

·         Proven success managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with cost, schedule, and performance accountability.

·         Excellent communication skills, including experience presenting to executives or government stakeholders.

·         Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

·         Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while maintaining structure and clarity.

·         High integrity, professionalism, and discretion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·         Experience launching new facilities, production lines, or major capital projects.

·         Background in aerospace, defense, space, marine, or advanced manufacturing sectors.

·         Experience developing cost models, burn-down reports, or financial dashboards.

·         Familiarity with government engagement, permitting processes, or public-sector reporting.

·         PMP, PgMP, Agile, or similar advanced project management certification.

·         Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, operations, and facilities.

·         Strong financial modeling or cost analysis capability.

·         Experience building centralized data systems or program dashboards.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Salary range for this role is between $115,000 - $150,000, plus discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off shifts. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities
• By applying for this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified, you may be contacted for this and future openings

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Education reimbursement program
• Several shift options
• Premium pay for off-shifts 

Not sure that you’ll be the perfect fit for this role? You should still apply! We’ll review your application for other opportunities. We are always on the lookout for talented people!

Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status.  Janicki is proud to be a military friendly employer.

Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (360) 404-1997.

As a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a preemployment drug test prior to starting employment.