Program Manager - Advanced Materials bei Vorbeck

Vorbeck is a technology company specializing in advanced material solutions and graphene applications. Our innovations support a wide range of industries, including communications, electronic warfare, firefighting, and aerospace. We operate across both government and commercial sectors, offering manufacturing and service support through our multi-state offices. As a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, and privately held company, Vorbeck combines cutting-edge R&D with in-house manufacturing to deliver high-performance material-based solutions.

Vorbeck is seeking a highly organized and strategic Program Manager to lead cross-functional initiatives across operations, R&D, compliance, and certification programs. This role drives execution across technical teams, streamlines site operations, and ensures alignment with project goals, regulatory requirements, and organizational priorities. The ideal candidate brings program leadership experience in fast-paced, regulated environments and excels at integrating project and operational workflows across locations.

Program & Project Leadership

• Lead high-impact, cross-functional programs spanning product development, operations, product certification,  and compliance.

• Coordinate planning, resourcing, and execution of projects across departments and locations.

• Define clear project goals, deliverables, and accountability structures to keep teams aligned and on track.

• Develop integrated program timelines, identify dependencies, manage risks, and ensure milestones are met.

• Maintain project documentation and dashboards for reporting to senior leadership.

• Manage Federal and State product development programs for advanced materials.

• Prepare proposals, write reports, and manage relationships with customers and funding agencies.

• Help develop and implement best practices in program execution, resource planning, and performance tracking.

Compliance & Certification Management

• Serve as the internal lead for product and process certifications. 

• Translate technical and regulatory requirements into actionable program steps.

• Liaise with external certifiers and regulators to maintain timelines and resolve compliance issues.

• Identify and evaluate alternate certification paths when needed.

Cross-Functional Team Coordination

• Lead and support project teams involving R&D, production, compliance, and support functions.

• Facilitate weekly project and production team meetings; set agendas, track progress, and resolve blockers.

• Mentor staff on communication, accountability, and cross-team collaboration.

Organizational Program Development

• Standardize and continuously improve project planning and reporting practices.

• Assist with budgeting, resource planning, and project portfolio management.

• Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of project management staff.

 Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) Program Support

• Oversee implementation of corporate EH&S policies in line with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other standards.

• Ensure safety protocols are standardized and maintained. 

• Support training and tracking of EH&S certifications and regulatory compliance.

• Coordinate periodic audits and reporting, with appropriate follow-up actions.

 External & Stakeholder Communication

• Act as a key point of contact for certifiers, regulators, vendors, strategic partners, and customers. Communicate program status, product capabilities, and compliance updates professionally and clearly.

• Collaborate with HR and Legal on policy enforcement and case resolution as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals and business needs.

• Travel may be required up to 10%.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.

Certifications & Training (preferred but not required):

• OSHA 10/30-Hour Certification.

• RCRA Hazardous Waste and/or DOT Hazmat Certification.

• Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications.

• Hands-on training with laboratory instruments such as FTIR and rheometers.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in lab/facility operations and team management.

• Hands-on background in wet chemistry, formulation development (inks, foams, surfactants, coatings), and scale-up processing.

• Federal and/or defense project management experience is a plus.

• Proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Familiarity with EPA RCRA, DOT Hazmat, OSHA, and building code compliance.

Skills 

• Strong leadership and organizational skills; able to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day execution.

• Effective trainer and mentor; skilled in building accountable, high-functioning teams.

• Strong technical problem-solving and process troubleshooting abilities.

• Proficient in technical writing, data analysis, and documentation.

• Comfortable multitasking across technical, operational, and compliance domains.

• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.

Job Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Classification: Exempt

Physical Setting/work location: In-Office

Pay Range: $120,000 - $150,000, based on experience

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Program

• Vacation, Personal Time, and 10 Paid Holidays

• Company-sponsored Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

• Opportunity for Relocation Assistance

*Vorbeck is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. This position will involve work on government contracts and the government requires that qualified candidates must be United States citizens. All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.*