Program Manager

Job description

Description Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.

At SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.

Our heritage dates to 1961, as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments – Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It’s SCI summed up - ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.

Summary

At this time, SCI is recruiting highly qualified candidates whose background and career goals meet our needs for a Program Manager position in Huntsville, AL. The Program Manager for manufacturing is a cross-functional leader who manages the interface between the customer and delivery of products by overseeing the entire manufacturing process, from design to mass production. They are responsible for a program's success by ensuring all teams—including engineering, supply chain, quality, and production planning—work together to meet cost, quality, and delivery timelines.

Key duties include managing new product introductions (NPI), ensuring manufacturing readiness, and communicating program status and risks to assigned customer points of contact and SCI leadership. What You'll Do

Communication

• Serve as the main point of contact for the customer. Provide regular internal reporting and operational updates, including challenges and solutions, to executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Guide and direct Integrated Product Teams (IPT) across functions (NPI, test engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, planning, quality assurance) to deliver on program goals.

Manage Product Lifecycle

• Lead new products through their entire lifecycle, from design validation through mass production.

Cost Management

• Manage costs and execute budgets with strict adherence to specifications, leveraging procurement economies of scale and project management tools (EVM, EAC forecasts) to track actual costs against baseline.

Ensure Manufacturing Readiness

• Work with operations to ensure product manufacturability and verify that all processes, tools, and resources are in place for mass production.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure smooth production and timely delivery.

Quality Optimization

• Drive post-ramp initiatives to continuously improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

Proposal Development

• Partner with the PDO team to review client design packages, identify manufacturing challenges, generate accurate cost estimates/quotes, and outline clear production plans.

Forecast & Order Management

• Manage customer inputs driving material, align requirements to the Master Production Schedule (MPS), and ensure resource allocation for assigned customers.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations, supply chain management, or a related technical/business field (preferred).
• 5+ years of project leadership experience within contract manufacturing environments (aerospace, defense, or technology industries).
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Agile & Oracle), project management software, and quality standards (e.g., ISO, AS9100).
• Proven experience in cost management, budget execution, EVM, and Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasting.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills to manage diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated program management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

How to Stand Out

• Formal training or practical application in Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Extensive experience managing defense and aerospace manufacturing NPIs and complex system integration programs.
• PMP or related project management certification.

Why Join Us? At Sanmina, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a "U.S. Person," defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157 or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.