Program Manager

Program Manager Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing | Southern California (On-Site)

Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 DOE and Flexible

About the Opportunity

We are working with an established aerospace and defense manufacturer to identify an experienced Program Manager to join their Program Management organization. Our client designs and produces precision flight hardware for demanding aerospace and defense applications, and is expanding its program team to support continued growth. This is a direct-hire opportunity based on-site in Southern California.

Position Summary

The Program Manager serves as the primary point of accountability for cost, schedule, scope, and customer satisfaction across one or more programs. Reporting to the Director of Program Management, this individual leads cross-functional teams through the full program lifecycle — from award through production and delivery — ensuring flight hardware is delivered on time, on budget, and to specification. This is a hands-on, high-visibility role that leads through influence rather than direct authority.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of assigned programs — planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout — for aerospace and defense manufacturing efforts.
• Manage program cost, schedule, and scope; maintain performance baselines and drive corrective action when variances arise.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, leading program reviews, status reporting, and change/contract discussions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and contracts to meet program milestones.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, risk registers, and program financials.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, escalating issues and mobilizing resources as needed.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and internal quality requirements throughout the program.
• Support proposals, estimates-at-completion, and basis-of-estimate development as required.
• Drive on-time delivery of flight hardware and all associated program deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of program or project management experience within aerospace, defense, or a regulated precision-manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ownership of cost, schedule, and scope on hardware programs.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing operations and hardware production cycles.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and interface directly with customers without direct reporting authority.
• Proficiency with scheduling and project tools (e.g., MS Project) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Available to work on-site in Southern California; this role is not hybrid or remote.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Familiarity with AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality systems.
• Background in flight hardware, structures, or precision machined components.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Why This Role

• Direct ownership and executive visibility across the program portfolio.
• Established, growing manufacturer with a strong aerospace and defense customer base.
• Collaborative Program Management organization with clear room to grow.