We are hiring a: Sr. Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense (A&D)St. Louis, MO (Onsite)
Watlow is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented
Sr.Program Manager to serve as the critical internal link between our Aerospace & Defense (A&D) commercial sales team and our manufacturing, engineering, quality, and operations functions. This factory-based role owns the full program lifecycle for A&D accounts, from business case development through contract execution, compliance management, and delivery, ensuring Watlow can successfully compete and deliver in a highly regulated, technically complex market. You will build credibility with both customer-facing commercial teams and the internal teams that deliver the work, directly influencing execution from within Watlow's operations.
What you'll do:- Business case & commercial support: Partner with the A&D commercial sales team to develop business cases, multi-year program strategies, and go/no-go recommendations, providing feasibility and manufacturing readiness input on new opportunities with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and defense contractors.
- Program ownership: Own end-to-end program management for all active A&D accounts, from initial order entry through production, delivery, and ongoing program support.
- Compliance management: Manage all aerospace and defense compliance requirements, including AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, and DFARS, ensuring internal teams understand and can meet customer and regulatory obligations.
- Cross-functional coordination: Serve as the primary point of coordination across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, IT, and customer service, pulling together the right resources and removing barriers to program execution.
- Customer engagement & advocacy: Act as the voice of the customer inside Watlow's factory and functional teams, participating in customer visits, site audits, and technical reviews alongside the commercial lead to build long-term customer confidence.
- Market & industry leadership: Maintain awareness of aerospace and defense industry trends and regulatory requirements, and provide market intelligence and customer insights to leadership and product development teams.
What you'll need to succeed?- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace and defense, industrial manufacturing, technical sales, program management, or account management
- Proven track record of developing customer relationships and growing business within complex technical environments
- Strong project and program management skills, with excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities
- Ability to travel up to 30-50% as required
Preferred qualifications:- Experience supporting aerospace OEMs, defense contractors, or Tier 1 suppliers
- Knowledge of aerospace and defense quality systems and standards (AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, DFARS, etc.)
- Experience with thermal systems, sensors, controls, industrial components, or engineered manufacturing solutions
- PMP certification, MBA, or advanced technical degree
Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a
full range of life and career enhancing benefits:
- Annual Incentive Program
- 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
- Wellness incentives
- Employee Personal Assistance Program
- Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
