Program Director, Aerostructures

Divergent

$211K — $290K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
  • 10+ years in aerospace and defense with program leadership
  • Proven experience in managing large defense programs
  • Strong understanding of defense acquisition processes
  • Experience in P&L management and executive engagements
  • Ability to access information subject to US export controls
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Responsibilities

  • Own strategic direction for aerostructures program portfolio
  • Lead and mentor a team of program managers and functional leaders
  • Drive portfolio revenue growth and manage P&L
  • Act as primary interface for government and contractor stakeholders
  • Define technology roadmaps aligned to customer requirements
  • Align cross-functional priorities for successful execution
  • Influence customer program requirements and future contract opportunities

Benefits

  • World-class compensation package with competitive salary and equity plan
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays including year-end shutdown
  • Comprehensive health coverage including HMO and PPO options
  • Company-sponsored life and disability insurance
  • Reimbursement opportunities for professional development
  • Collaborative team environment focused on innovation and disruption in manufacturing
Full Job Description
Purpose

Divergent is seeking a Program Director, Aerostructures to provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of aerostructure programs supporting U.S. Department of War and allied customers. This role is accountable for long-term program performance, customer alignment, and business outcomes across development, production, and sustainment. The Program Director, Aerostructures operates as a senior business leader, shaping program strategy, influencing customer roadmaps, and aligning engineering and operations to aerostructure portfolio objectives.
The Role
  • Program and Portfolio Strategy: Own the strategic direction and long-term execution plans for a portfolio of defense aerostructures programs. The Program Director will balance near-term execution with long-term affordability, producibility, and growth objectives while aligning program and customer strategies to DAPS platform development.
  • Organizational Leadership: Lead, develop, and mentor a team of program managers and functional leaders to ensure program execution success and business growth. The Program Director will be responsible for aligning cross-functional priorities across the aerostructures portfolio, to include setting expectations for execution across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and production.
  • Portfolio Revenue Growth: Serve as the business owner for the aerostructure portfolio programs, accountable for P&L, margin performance, and revenue growth YoY. The Program Director will interface with senior leadership to influence financial planning, make/buy decisions, and data-driven decision making at the portfolio level.
  • Customer and Government Engagement: Act as the senior interface for DoW program offices, prime contractors, and executive level stakeholders. The Program Director will help shape customer programs, influence requirements, and position the business unit for future contract awards, while leading executive program reviews that support capture strategies and proposal development.
  • Technical and Operational Strategy: Partner with engineering, operations, and platform leadership to define aerostructure technology roadmaps aligned to customer requirements. These strategies will account for development, certification, sustainment, and lifecycle support requirements for DoW Programs of Record.
Basic Qualifications
  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of aerospace and defense experience with significant program and portfolio leadership
  • Proven experience leading a team in executing large, complex defense programs or portfolios
  • Strong understanding of defense acquisitions processes and customer environments
  • Demonstrated success leading P&L, long-range planning, and executive level engagements
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • PMP or equivalent certification
  • Experience influencing capture strategies and contract negotiations
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance
Work Environment
  • This role will be based onsite in our Torrance, CA office.
Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at level M08 as evaluated through our interview process.
  • ABD / M08: $211,550- $290,880


Pay Range

$211,550-$290,880 USD

What We Offer:
  • Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
  • Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
  • Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
  • Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
  • Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.


No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please.

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