In‑Service Program Manager (ISPM)

At Acron, our ambition is to relentlessly reimagine and reshape the value chains by which we deliver results to our customers, suppliers, and internal/external stakeholder communities in pursuit of innovations to create safer skies. Acron employees strive to achieve world-class results through our values of always putting our customers first, displaying ownership of our results, moving fast, and speaking candidly. We currently seek an In-Service Program Manager who thrives in complex, cross-functional environments and is highly skilled in the application of project management disciplines, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing, and works seamlessly across a variety of functional teams to achieve our vision. This position is part of the Acron Avionics Business Unit and will be in Grand Rapids, MI. The role requires the selected candidate to work on-site during the first shift hours.The In‑Service Program Manager (ISPM) is accountable for the performance of assigned avionics products and customer programs after Production Readiness Review (PRR). The role is accountable for the end‑to‑end lifecycle performance from Entry‑Into‑Service (EIS) through Full‑Rate Production (FRP), maturity, and sunset/EOL, with full accountability for customer satisfaction, product roadmap execution, operations, and engineering performance KPIs and financial measures, including EBITDA and cash.The ISPM leads a cross‑functional Integrated Product Team (IPT) and serves as the primary customer interface and escalation owner, ensuring safe, reliable, compliant, and profitable in‑service execution. The ISPM brings the discipline and rigor of project management into the execution of projects required to deliver upon product strategy and customer requirements. In-service programs include, but are not limited to, obsolescence redesigns, value engineering projects, product yield improvement initiatives, test equipment projects, and a variety of activities related to KPI improvements. Candidates must be agile and adept at creating project charters and business cases, requirements definition, integrated project planning, resource loading, risk and opportunity planning, and performing lessons learned.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Line Business & Financial OwnershipResponsible for ensuring product line Sales, EBITDA, and Cash performance for assigned in‑service products through enabling efficient and effective operational performanceTranslate business plans into actionable work packages and projects plansSupport annual product profitability reviews (3–5‑year outlook, risks, inventory/LTB, investments, roadmap, and strategic recommendations)In‑Service Execution & IPT LeadershipOrganize and lead daily/weekly IPT execution for all projects and monthly In‑Service Program Reviews Integrate cross‑functional priorities to meet delivery, quality, reliability, and cost commitmentsServe as the single point of accountability for issue resolution and escalation.Customer Management & Voice of the Customer (VOC)Act as the primary customer interface for all in‑service matters, including performance reviews and escalationsProactively manage VOC, scorecards, returns, and warranty drivers; translate customer feedback into corrective actions and product roadmap inputsCoordinate contractual communications in partnership with Contracts and SalesLifecycle & Gate GovernanceAssume ownership post‑PRRand ensure in‑service readiness (shipping/billing, documentation, training, support)Lead LRIP execution and prepare FRP Decision Gate content, including APQP readiness, KPI performance, supplier maturity, ECO/ECR impacts, and financial updatesMaintain discipline in change control, baseline management, and lifecycle documentationSustaining Engineering & In‑Service ProjectsOwn the sustaining project portfolio (e.g., obsolescence, cost reduction, test improvements, reliability and quality fixes)Govern tailored project gates (Kickoff, Baseline, Design Review, TRR, PRR, Closeout)Ensure scope, schedule, cost, and benefits realization with documented lessons learnedQuality, Reliability & Return‑to‑Green (RTG) LeadershipLead RTG plans when KPIs fall below target (delivery, escapes, warranty, cost, cash)Drive corrective actions across internal functions and suppliers (CARs/SCARs)Champion continuous improvement (Lean) and value engineering across the in‑service lifecycleSunset / End‑of‑Life (EOL) ManagementLead EOL business case development in partnership with leadershipCoordinate customer communications, last‑time buys (LTB), supplier exits, inventory strategy, and transition to replacement productsExecute EOL in collaboration with Transition Program ManagementContinuous Improvement and Lean ManufacturingLead and support kaizen events to improve upon KPI and process excellence Apply value stream thinking to reduce lead time, WIP, and variation Drive process and documentation simplification QualificationsRequired:Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or related fieldProgram/project management experience leading cross-functional teams through execution, production, and sustainment phasesKnowledge of earned value concepts and/or integrated master scheduling principlesDemonstrated financial and business acumen with experience driving performance to Sales, EBITDA, and Cash objectivesExperience interfacing with customers and managing contractual/program communications in partnership with Contracts and SubcontractsWorking knowledge of production readiness, manufacturing/operations processes, supply chain execution, and quality systemsAbility to manage multiple complex priorities, establish execution cadence, and drive timely decisions through KPIs Must have experience leveraging Continuous Improvement methodologies to ensure program performance and improve business effectiveness PreferredExperience in working with SAP/ERP Strong understanding of AS9100 and FAA requirements and regulations.Formal Continuous Improvement, Lean or Six Sigma training.Demonstrated experience implementing process automation and application of AI tools in the manufacturing environment