Production Program Manager - Military Laser Systems

• Work with product forecasts from the business development team and ensure supply chain and production capacity is consistent with demand.
• Assess current bottlenecks and implement strategies to increase build capacity (lines, equipment, staffing, takt improvements).
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop scalable assembly processes, automation opportunities, and optimized workflows.
• Lead capacity expansion plans, including capital equipment justification, ROI analysis, and phased deployment.

Cost Reduction & Touch-Labor Efficiency

• Drive direct labor hour (DLH) reduction through process optimization, tooling, error-proofing, automation, and layout improvements.
• Lead cost reviews, BOM cleanup, and cost-down initiatives with Supply Chain and Engineering.
• Manage lean manufacturing initiatives, applying 5S, value-stream mapping, Kaizen, and waste elimination.

Quality, Yield, and Stability

• Establish and maintain statistical process controls (SPC) for critical processes.
• Drive root-cause investigations for yield issues and production escapes; ensure robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Partner with Quality Engineering to achieve sustained improvements in FPY, DPPM, and defect reduction.

Program Planning & Control

• Own program schedules, budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics during production phase.
• Use earned value, labor metrics, and throughput data to create accurate cost and schedule projections.
• Prepare and lead internal/customer reviews: monthly PMRs, quarterly business reviews, and contract deliverable tracking.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the hub between Operations, Supply Chain, Test Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Contracts.
• Ensure supply chain readiness: supplier OTD, risk mitigation, buffer strategies, and cost-down roadmaps.
• Maintain rigorous configuration control and alignment to AS9100/ISO 9001 and applicable MIL-STDs

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

Qualities We Look For:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• 5-10+ years of project/program management in production environments, ideally in laser systems, electro-optics, defense hardware, or high-reliability manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success running full-rate production and driving capacity scaling, cost reduction, and yield improvement.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, test flows, and design-for-manufacture principles.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings (GD&T), electrical/optical schematics, and comprehensive BOM structures.
• Expertise in production KPIs: takt time, throughput, OEE, FPY, Cpk, labor utilization, and cost breakdowns.
• Experienced in Lean/continuous improvement methodologies.
• Skilled in building and managing schedules, budgets, and forecasts using MS Project/Primavera and ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working with suppliers, internal leadership, and defense customers.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or equivalent technical discipline.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

• Experience with high-volume optical alignment, precision mechanical assembly, or laser module production.
• Familiarity with automation, robotic handling, or semi-automated optical alignment/test systems.
• Experience with EVMS, cost reporting, and DCMA interactions.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• MBA or Master's degree in Engineering.

The salary range for this role is $125,000 to $180,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.