Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft, tactical reconnaissance radars, and advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. With limited direction, the Tooling Program Manager works within the Tooling Engineering Group and is responsible for overseeing all phases of tooling programs, from initial estimating through project completion. This position manages the full tooling program lifecycle, including cost estimation, scheduling, submittal preparation and approval, execution oversight, progress reporting, and final closeout. The Tooling Program Manager leads the resolution of engineering and programmatic issues, serves as a consulting resource on engineering matters, and provides overall program leadership. This position coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality, finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure that tooling programs meet technical requirements, schedule commitments, and budget objectives. The position documents findings, communicates results to stakeholders, presents program status and performance information, and serves as the primary company contact for tooling programs. The Tooling Program Manager also provides directions to design and technical staff and leads teams of moderately experienced professionals. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manage tooling programs from initiation through completion, including developing estimates, creating schedules, coordinating submittals, overseeing execution, monitoring performance, and completing program closeout. • Develop accurate cost estimates and budgets by analyzing requirements and coordinating with suppliers and internal teams. Account for materials, labor, overhead, and contingencies. • Create and maintain detailed program schedules using appropriate scheduling tools. Identify critical paths, manage dependencies, and adjust timelines as needed to meet program commitments. • Prepare and manage required submittals, including technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and approval packages. Ensure compliance with customer requirements and internal standards. • Monitor program execution by tracking progress against schedule and budget, conducting regular status reviews, and implementing corrective actions to address variances. • Prepare program reports for management and customers, including status updates, financial performance, risk assessments, and milestone progress. • Coordinate program closeout activities, including final inspections, documentation compilation, lessons-learned capture, and formal stakeholder acceptance. • Manage program budgets and financial performance by tracking expenditures, processing invoices, forecasting costs, and ensuring that programs remain within approved funding. • Identify and manage program risks and issues. Develop mitigation strategies, escalate concerns as appropriate, and maintain risk registers throughout the program lifecycle. • Serve as the focal point for program communications with Company management and as the primary company contact for customers and government regulatory agencies on tooling programs. • Present program reports during program reviews and management meetings, providing clear visibility into program health and performance. • Facilitate coordination among engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and efficient program execution. • Provide guidance and technical and programmatic consulting to staff working on tooling-related challenges. • Anticipate future program needs and proactively address potential obstacles to achieve program objectives. • Direct the activities of program staff and lead teams of moderately experienced professionals supporting tooling programs. • Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information. • Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. • Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices. • Perform other duties as assigned. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Job Qualifications: • Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in engineering, business, project management, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, along with progressive program management experience as follows, Nine or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, seven or more years of experience with a master’s degree, four or more years of experience with a PhD. • Equivalent program management experience may be substituted for the required education. • Extensive experience managing tooling programs, including cost estimating, scheduling, submittal management, execution oversight, and program closeout. • Demonstrated ability to develop accurate estimates and budgets for complex tooling programs, with a strong understanding of cost drivers and resource requirements. • Proficiency with project management and scheduling tools, such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent software, to create, maintain, and analyze detailed program schedules. • Experience preparing technical submittals, coordinating approval processes, and managing documentation requirements for tooling programs. • Strong financial acumen, including the ability to manage program budgets, track expenditures, forecast costs, and report financial performance. • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent tooling programs, establish priorities, and meet competing deadlines. • Ability to quickly understand new concepts and apply them accurately in an evolving environment. • Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, customers, and management at all levels. • Customer-focused approach, with the ability to translate customer requirements into actionable program plans and deliver results that meet or exceed expectations. • Ability to work independently and in a team environment while demonstrating leadership and collaboration skills. • Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is highly desirable. • Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, cost accounting, and government contracting is a plus. • Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is required. • Ability to work extended hours as required. • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required. • Able to work extended hours as required. Job Category: Manufacturing Experience Level: Senior (8+ years) Workstyle: Onsite Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Salary Pay Range Low: 109,500 Pay Range High: 187,875 Travel Percentage Required: 0% - 25% Relocation Assistance Provided?: No US Citizenship Required?: Yes Clearance Required?: Desired Clearance Level: Secret

Requirements

Must-haves

Manage tooling programs from initiation through completion, including developing estimates, creating schedules, coordinating submittals, overseeing execution, monitoring performance, and completing program closeout.
Develop accurate cost estimates and budgets by analyzing requirements and coordinating with suppliers and internal teams. Account for materials, labor, overhead, and contingencies.
Create and maintain detailed program schedules using appropriate scheduling tools. Identify critical paths, manage dependencies, and adjust timelines as needed to meet program commitments.
Prepare and manage required submittals, including technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and approval packages. Ensure compliance with customer requirements and internal standards.
Monitor program execution by tracking progress against schedule and budget, conducting regular status reviews, and implementing corrective actions to address variances.
Prepare program reports for management and customers, including status updates, financial performance, risk assessments, and milestone progress.
Coordinate program closeout activities, including final inspections, documentation compilation, lessons-learned capture, and formal stakeholder acceptance.
Manage program budgets and financial performance by tracking expenditures, processing invoices, forecasting costs, and ensuring that programs remain within approved funding.
Identify and manage program risks and issues. Develop mitigation strategies, escalate concerns as appropriate, and maintain risk registers throughout the program lifecycle.
Serve as the focal point for program communications with Company management and as the primary company contact for customers and government regulatory agencies on tooling programs.
Present program reports during program reviews and management meetings, providing clear visibility into program health and performance.
Facilitate coordination among engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, finance, and other cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and efficient program execution.
Provide guidance and technical and programmatic consulting to staff working on tooling-related challenges.
Anticipate future program needs and proactively address potential obstacles to achieve program objectives.
Direct the activities of program staff and lead teams of moderately experienced professionals supporting tooling programs.
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
Work safely in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Equivalent program management experience may be substituted for the required education.
Extensive experience managing tooling programs, including cost estimating, scheduling, submittal management, execution oversight, and program closeout.
Demonstrated ability to develop accurate estimates and budgets for complex tooling programs, with a strong understanding of cost drivers and resource requirements.

Nice-to-haves

Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, cost accounting, and government contracting is a plus.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: brassring
Effort: medium