Position SummaryQnity is seeking an experienced
Senior Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense. This role serves as the commercial and operational leader for Aerospace & Defense customer engagements. This role is responsible for customer program management, Statement of Work (SOW) administration, classified program security oversight, SAPF operations, customer relationship management, and business growth activities.
The successful candidate will lead both classified and unclassified customer programs, ensuring contractual compliance, operational execution, security adherence, and exceptional customer satisfaction while supporting long-term business growth.
This role is 100% onsite based in our Carlsbad, CA office. Candidates who currently live within a commutable distance to that location will be given priority.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this opportunity.
What You'll Do- Lead Aerospace & Defense customer programs, ensuring successful execution of contractual requirements, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
- Own and administer Statements of Work (SOWs), contract modifications, customer commitments, and program performance metrics.
- Serve as the primary customer interface, building strategic relationships with government agencies, defense contractors, and key stakeholders while driving customer satisfaction and issue resolution.
- Provide oversight of classified programs, including CPSO responsibilities, SAP compliance, security audits, access management, and classified information protection.
- Lead SAPF operations, ensuring facility accreditation, compliance, operational readiness, and support for secure customer engagements.
- Manage program financial performance, including revenue, margin, forecasting, risk mitigation, and business growth opportunities.
- Support proposal development, capture activities, and strategic account growth initiatives.
- Lead and develop cross-functional teams while driving collaboration, operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, Finance, and Security functions.
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Security Management, Program Management, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of Aerospace & Defense industry experience.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing customer programs, security operations, or government contracts.
- Experience administering Statements of Work (SOWs), government contracts, and customer program execution.
- Experience supporting classified U.S. Government programs.
- Strong financial, operational, and customer management capabilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and executive stakeholder management skills.
- Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
- Ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility.
Preferred Qualifications- Previous CPSO designation and experience supporting classified government programs.
- SAPF management or administration experience.
- Experience supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, Space, Aerospace, or Defense Prime Contractor programs.
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification.
- Working knowledge of NISPOM, FAR, DFARS, ITAR, AS9100, and U.S. Government security requirements.
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