Head of Technical Programme Management

Technical Program Manager - Defense Systems

This role leads complex aerospace and defense programs that integrate engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements across hypersonics, strategic missile defense, tactical missiles, and integrated defense systems. You will drive mission-critical hardware programs from planning and development through qualification, production, and delivery, ensuring that high-performance systems such as launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, and integrated defense solutions meet technical, schedule, and contractual commitments. Operating close to the engineering teams, you will guide cross-functional technical execution, manage program performance, and directly support key strategic defense and space-related initiatives.

Lead cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.

Guide programs through the full product lifecycle, including planning, development, qualification, production, and delivery of complex aerospace and defense hardware.

Interface regularly with customers and internal leadership to maintain clear communication, alignment on objectives, and transparency on program status.

Support business development by contributing to proposal writing and participating in new business meetings and capture activities.

Track program performance using key metrics and proactively identify risks, issues, and mitigation actions to maintain program health.

Facilitate program planning, technical decision-making, and change management across engineering and integrated product teams.

Manage scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.

Partner closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful and timely program delivery.

Support Integrated Product Teams working on defense systems, missile programs, high-temperature materials, composite systems, propulsion technologies, and space and defense applications.

Operate effectively in a defense-focused IPT environment by understanding engineering discussions, managing execution, and driving immediate improvements in program performance.

Influence technical teams and contribute to technical strategy while maintaining strong customer-facing and executive communication.

Maintain a strong presence in day-to-day program execution, ensuring alignment between technical work, program plans, and customer requirements.

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.

Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute projects from concept through delivery.

Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks on engineering or hardware programs.

Technical program management experience operating close to engineering teams and technical execution.

Strong customer-facing presence and the ability to communicate effectively with external stakeholders.

Executive-level communication capabilities, including presenting program status and risks to leadership.

Master's degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

At least 2 years of experience managing complex technical programs in defense, aerospace, or government technology sectors.

Experience supporting defense-focused programs such as tactical missiles, integrated defense systems, high-temperature materials, propulsion technologies, composites applications, and space and defense hardware.

Familiarity with product lifecycle management and product development life cycle for complex hardware products.

Experience working on programs related to high-temperature materials, composite structures, propulsion systems, and space or defense applications.

Ability to quickly integrate into defense-focused integrated product teams and make an immediate impact on program performance.

Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, contracts, finance, and leadership.

You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and leadership teams on a daily basis, supporting integrated product teams delivering critical defense and space-related systems. The role offers a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off and the office fully closed on off Fridays, supporting a balanced lifestyle. The facility is located on the waterfront overlooking Puget Sound, providing a unique and attractive work setting, and candidates may participate in site tours during the interview process. This is a Permanent position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

-Medical ((PPO, HMO, HDHP) , dental (HMO and PPO options), and vision coverage -Health Savings Account (HSA) -401(k) with immediate vesting of employer match (100% vested immediately) -Profit sharing program -Life and AD&D insurance -Short- and long-term disability coverage -Employee Assistance Program (24/7 confidential counseling and support resources) -Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance *Requesting formal benefits package but they can also review the details on their website (scroll to bottom of page):

Application Deadline

We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.