Program Manager - Defense Winch Systems

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Signia Aerospace is a global, integrated provider of high-performance systems and specialized components for the aerospace industry. Signia designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of products, that include mission equipment, thermal management systems, engine technology, and propellers. The Signia brands are leaders in their respective markets and provide a compelling value proposition to both aerospace and defense OEMs and end-users.

Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, located in Anaheim, CA is one of the world’s leading providers of Search & Rescue (SAR) and Human External Cargo (HEC) advanced mission equipment for civil, commercial, and military helicopters.

Position Overview 

Location: Anaheim, CA (On-site/Hybrid) 

Schedule: Monday - Friday 

Pay: $150,000 - $170,000 per year 

The Program Manager is responsible for end-to-end management of complex military programs, including New Product Introduction (NPI), production deliveries (order book), and repair/overhaul (MRO) activities. This role requires direct interaction with major defense OEMs (domestic and international) and prime contractors, ensuring on-time delivery, cost control, and full compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements across all program phases. 

What You’ll Do

• Own the full program lifecycle, from proposal through production, delivery, and sustainment. 
• Manage the production order book, ensuring on-time delivery of new hardware in line with customer commitments and contractual schedules. 
• Drive execution with operations and supply chain to meet delivery targets, resolve shortages, and manage backlog. 
• Oversee repair/MRO programs, including turnaround time, quality, and customer satisfaction. 
• Act as the primary interface with key defense customers.
• Translate customer requirements into executable plans across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality. 
• Monitor and manage program KPIs, including schedule adherence, cost performance, backlog, and on-time delivery (OTD). 
• Lead internal and external program reviews.
• Identify and mitigate risks impacting development, production, or repair activities. 
• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense standards (e.g., AS9100, FAR/DFARS). 
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between development, production, and aftermarket support. 
• Support business development activities, including RFQs/RFPs, cost estimates, and proposal development. 

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 5 + years of program management experience in aerospace/defense.
• Proven experience across NPI, production programs, and MRO/repair.
• Experience managing OEM or prime contractor customers.
• Strong understanding of production environments, supply chain constraints, and delivery execution.
• Solid grasp of program management fundamentals (cost, schedule, risk).

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification, MBA or equivalent.
• Familiarity with government contracting and FAR/DFARSs requirements.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP/IFS).
• Cross-functional, informal leadership across engineering, operations, and supply chain 
• Strong execution focus and delivery accountability 
• Customer-facing communication and negotiation 
• Structured problem-solving under pressure 
• Ability to manage competing priorities (NPI vs production vs repair) 

What’s In It for You

• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability
• Paid time off and holidays 
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution matching
• In addition to offering competitive wages and benefits, Onboard Systems also offers the opportunity to increase your future earnings tied to growth in company performance. We recognize employee contributions toward growing the business through our unique Growth Participation Unit program (GPU). GPUs are tied directly to company growth and reward all eligible employees with cash when the business grows over time. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status

Requirements: