Program Manager

Karman Space and Defense

• $100K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong foundation in systems, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.
  • Proficiency with engineering tools and programming languages.
  • Skilled in project planning and resource management using tools like Microsoft Project or Jira.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Analytical problem-solving abilities to identify root causes and develop solutions.
  • Leadership skills to guide teams and maintain accountability.
  • Working knowledge of aerospace and defense quality and compliance standards.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Awareness of aerospace manufacturing practices and defense industry requirements.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
  • 3-5 years of progressive engineering experience in project management, preferably in aerospace or defense.
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects from concept to production.
  • Current U.S. DoD Secret security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

  • Develop project plans including schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
  • Collaborate with design teams to ensure engineering designs meet requirements.
  • Coordinate resources across engineering, operations, and other departments.
  • Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies for project success.
  • Implement quality control processes for compliance with standards.
  • Track project progress and provide updates to stakeholders.
  • Address technical and logistical issues during project execution.
  • Facilitate communication among team members and stakeholders.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation including plans and reports.
  • Ensure engineering work complies with regulations and standards.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
In this role, you will lead engineering projects from concept through completion, coordinating plans, resources, and technical work to meet program objectives. You will partner closely with engineering, operations, quality, and leadership teams to drive execution, maintain alignment, resolve barriers, and ensure projects meet technical, regulatory, and customer standards.

Responsibilities
  • Develops project plans including schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
  • Collaborates with design teams to ensure engineering designs meet project requirements and standards.
  • Coordinates resources across engineering, operations, and other departments.
  • Identifies risks and develops mitigation strategies to support project success and safety.
  • Implements quality control processes to ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
  • Tracks project progress and milestones and provides updates to stakeholders.
  • Addresses technical and logistical issues that arise throughout project execution.
  • Facilitates communication among team members, clients, and stakeholders.
  • Maintains accurate project documentation including plans, reports, and correspondence.
  • Ensures engineering work complies with regulations, codes, and standards.

Required Qualifications
  • Strong foundation in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or software engineering.
  • Proficiency with engineering tools, modeling applications, or programming languages.
  • Skill in project planning, scheduling, and resource management using tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or Jira.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to identify root causes and develop technical solutions.
  • Leadership skills with the ability to guide technical teams, delegate work, and maintain accountability.
  • Working knowledge of quality, safety, and compliance standards in aerospace and defense.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Awareness of aerospace manufacturing practices, precision machining processes, and defense industry requirements.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
  • Three to five years of progressive engineering experience in project or program management, preferably in aerospace, manufacturing, or defense environments.
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects from concept through production.
  • A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with product development, lifecycles, configuration management, and compliance standards such as AS9100, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or ISO.

Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
  • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds. The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

7am-4pm M-F

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