Program Manager, Technician Training

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Manufacturing Production team is responsible for a wide range of activities that are crucial to the manufacturing process across all our locations. Effective training and development are critical to our success, particularly in empowering sites that may not have dedicated, on-site L&D personnel. The Program Manager, Technician Training - Arsenal role is a dynamic, central force responsible for designing, developing, and deploying high-impact learning solutions across our entire production and manufacturing network. This role ensures that our core training practices and resources are accessible, adaptable, and consistently applied, equipping every employee with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to excel, ensure compliance, and drive operational excellence. 

ABOUT THE JOB

We’re building the future of defense manufacturing—and that means consistently uplifting the capabilities of our workforce. The Program Manager, Techniciain Training (Ohio Operations) will lead the establishment, alignment, and execution of technician training programs at our Ohio Arsenal. Based out of Arsenal-1, this role is responsible for ensuring all local training programs align with central standards and guidelines while being successfully operationalized on the ground.
This is a highly collaborative, cross-functional role. You will work closely with our central Manufacturing Training and Development leadership based at HQ to import standards and transition new product lines to the Arsenal (which originate from other sites), while partnering deeply with local Ohio site leadership to execute them. You will begin by directly managing one direct report—a Technician Trainer—and will be responsible for coaching them and scaling the training team as operations grow.
This role requires a candidate who thrives in ambiguity, possesses strong project management and needs analysis capabilities, and can effectively communicate across multiple levels of the organization.
This position is based out of Arsenal-1 in Ohio and requires approximately 20% travel as needed (e.g., traveling to other sites to support the transition of new product lines to the Arsenal).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Stand Up & Optimize Ohio Training Operations: Stand up and optimize the technician training program at the Arsenal, ensuring local programs strictly follow central Manufacturing Training and Development guidelines.
• Project Manage Critical Initiatives: Partner with other cross-functional departments (Engineering, Quality, Safety, etc.) to identify, design, and implement critical training initiatives impacting Manufacturing Operations.
• Navigate Ambiguity & Lead Change: Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Adapt training programs smoothly as new product lines originate from other sites and transition to the Arsenal.
• Conduct In-Depth Needs Analysis: Proactively identify skills gaps, performance bottlenecks, and training opportunities within the manufacturing workforce, translating findings into structured training solutions.
• Lead and Develop People: Direct-manage, coach, and support one Ohio-based Technician Trainer, setting performance goals and building their capability as an instructor.
• Support Workforce Development: Collaborate with and support other internal functions (such as HR, Recruiting, and Community Relations) on workforce development initiatives to help build and sustain a strong external talent pipeline into the Arsenal.
• Maintain Alignment with Central L&D: Partner closely with central Manufacturing Training and Development leadership to ensure all onboarding, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and qualification programs meet network-wide quality and compliance baselines.
• Highly Communicative Stakeholder Management: Serve as the central point of contact for training in Ohio, ensuring site leadership, floor supervisors, and HQ partners are constantly aligned and informed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years of progressive experience in Technical Training, Manufacturing Training, or Operations-focused Learning & Development.
• Strong project management skills with a proven track record of leading complex training initiatives from conception to execution.
• Demonstrated ability to perform rigorous training needs analyses and translate operational requirements into technical curricula.
• Comfortable working in highly ambiguous environments with the ability to self-direct and prioritize effectively.
• Experience managing, mentoring, or leading at least one direct report (trainers, instructors, or instructional designers).
• Direct experience within a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or heavy industrial operations environment is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel up to 20% as needed to transition product lines from other sites to the Arsenal.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Arsenal-1 (Ohio) area.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Human Resources, Education, or a related field.
• Experience supporting partnerships with local workforce development boards, technical vocational schools, or community programs to build talent pipelines.
• Experience standing up a training program or department from the ground up in a new facility.
• Certifications in instructional design, project management (PMP), or Agile methodologies.