Date Posted:     01/29/08

Reference:         Job No. 08-100 

Location:           Tustin, CA                    

PROGRAM MANAGER

SUMMARY: 

The position of Program Manager places emphasis on team building, maintaining an effective project team, developing positive customer relationships, developing and maintaining both financial and schedule control of assigned projects/programs and participating in the business development/proposal process.  Prior experience in the optical/electro-optical industry, experience as a program manager, experience with both government and commercial contracts, experience managing prototype-focused projects, experience writing technical proposals and direct experience in a matrix organization is highly desirable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Manager’s function is to coordinate and facilitate the work of LightWorks Optics (LWO) project teams.  His/her role on the project team is:

·         To run development and production programs for highly complex technical programs (custom precision optical systems, subsystems and assemblies) and satisfy both schedule and budget requirements.

·         To be the project effort coordinator and communications interface between LightWorks technical staff and the customer. In this role he/she is responsible to track and communicate the project objectives and requirements to the project team.

·         All contractual commitments and technical requirements status and changes should be reviewed and communicated to the project team by the program manager.

·         The program manager is the primary customer interface and is responsible to ensure that the efforts of the project team are consistent with the project contractual and technical requirements. He/she is also responsible to ensure that LightWorks performs projects consistent with its policy of unquestionable ethics and integrity.

·         The program manager will organize and coordinate team meetings to disseminate project status. These meetings will be structured to provide team members with a regular and comprehensive review of program status. The program manager’s principal function on the team is to provide an open forum for the discussion and dissemination of the information necessary to ensure a complete understanding of the contractual and technical requirements of the project by the team.

·         The program manager will maintain up to date project schedules reflecting all tasks required to achieve the project contractual commitments.  In performing this function the program manager is responsible to identify and notify LightWorks management of the required resource requirements.

REQUIRED:

• Ability to run development and production programs for highly complex technical programs and satisfy both schedule and budget requirements.
• Conversant with standard tools and techniques of program management, and must possess expertise in project planning software -- spreadsheets, word processing, etc.  
• Must possess four-year college degree or equivalent in a related discipline (related disciplines could be either technical or non-technical).  

·         Lead proposal efforts and write proposal volumes when required.

·         Leadership, initiative, communication and technical competence are essential.

·         Understanding of the business relationship between forecast and orders, program spending and cash flow, and profitability and internal funding. 

·         Must have excellent human relations skills and the ability to develop and cultivate a superior rapport with customers. Coordinate closely with the customer to understand the customer's needs, both in current programs and for future business.

·         Due to technology protection requirements, all employees of LightWorks Optics must possess U. S. citizenship or permanent resident status. 

·         Willing to travel.

PREFERRED:

·         At least five years of experience in the optical/electro-optical industry, experience as a program manager, experience with both government and commercial contracts, experience managing prototype-focused projects, experience writing technical business proposals, and direct experience in a matrix organization where required personnel did not report directly to the program manager.

• Degree in business or management plus a technical degree in a related engineering discipline.  Equivalent experience may also provide required background to perform successfully in this position.

·         Track record of developing effective team relationships with customers and employees.

·         Above average verbal and written communication skills.

·         Works independently and handle changing requirements in a high technology environment.

·         Works effectively in a team environment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Company Information:   LightWorks Optics, certified in ISO 9001:2002, is an employee-owned dynamic, high technology company, engaged in the engineering, fabrication, integration and testing of precision optical systems for use in space, aerospace, medical and commercial applications.  LightWorks was founded on high ethical standards, placing integrity, excellence, its people, its customers, and a creative environment as its highest priorities.

We offer our employees an informal, supportive, flexible and people-oriented environment which nurtures and encourages creativity, growth and innovation.  Our company emphasizes the involvement of all employees in the management process and provides an environment of fulfilled potential to its team members.  We seek employees who will find challenge and excitement in the contributions they can make to the organization.

LightWorks Optics is conveniently located between the 5 and 405 freeways (at Jamboree) in Tustin (Orange County), Southern California.  Due to technology protection requirements, all employees of LightWorks Optics must be U. S. Citizens or U. S. Permanent Residents.  LightWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits:  LightWorks Optics offers competitive salaries and benefits for all employees.  Benefits for full-time employees (pro-rata or partial benefits for part-time employees) include 3 weeks vacation, medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, FSA options, 401(k) and employee stock ownership plans, performance bonus plan, employee assistance program and an educational assistance program.  

Contact Information:  Qualified applicants please forward resume via e-mail to hr@lwoptics.com.  If e-mail is unavailable, please mail resume to:  LightWorks Optics, Attn: Human Resources, 14242 Chambers Road, Tustin, CA 92780.