Job TitleSr. Principal Program Manager - Aerospace and DefenseJob DetailsAttalon delivers engineered optical, opto-mechanical, and precision subsystem solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial customers.
The
Sr. Principal Program Manager is an individual contributor who leads complex programs from contract award through engineering, manufacturing, qualification, and delivery. This role owns full lifecycle execution of technically sophisticated hardware and subsystems, ensuring scope, schedule, cost, risk, and customer satisfaction objectives are met.
The PM serves as the central integration point across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and business development. Success requires strong technical fluency, disciplined program execution, proactive risk management, and clear communication with demanding defense and commercial customers.
Responsibilities- Lead program execution from sales handoff through delivery.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for technical and schedule updates.
- Maintain integrated schedules, execution plans, and cross-functional alignment.
- Own program financials: revenue, cost, margin, forecasting, and corrective actions.
- Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, supply chain, and financial risks.
- Drive cross-functional performance in a matrixed environment.
- Manage scope and contract changes.
- Deliver required program documentation and reporting.
- Resolve technical and quality issues with internal teams and customers.
- Support proposals, vendor evaluations, feasibility reviews, and follow-on opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with ISO, regulatory, and export-control requirements.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or related technical discipline.
- 12+ years of program/project management in aerospace, defense, optics, or complex hardware (or 10+ with advanced degree).
- Experience leading technically complex hardware or opto-mechanical programs.
- Direct experience with aerospace, commercial, or government customers.
- Proven cross-functional leadership in a matrixed environment.
- Due to program requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Business.
- Experience with aerospace prime or commercial programs.
- Background in optics, optical systems, or precision subsystem manufacturing.
- Familiarity with risk management frameworks and readiness reviews.
- Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments.
- Proficiency with tools such as Wrike.
- Strong executive-level presentation skills.
For California, the base salary pay range for this role is $122,750.00 - $221,000.00
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.
