Technical Program Manager - Advanced Metallic Assemblies & Hypersonic Programs
Los Angeles, CA • On-Site
We're looking for a technically grounded Program Manager ready to grow into a Technical Program Director role. You'll own execution across a portfolio of high-priority metallic structure programs - managing relationships with prime contractors, driving cross-functional teams, and keeping complex programs on cost and schedule. This is not a pure PM role. You'll need enough engineering foundation to engage credibly with manufacturing engineers, mechanical engineers, and customers alike.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Own day-to-day execution of programs supporting missile, hypersonic, and aerospace structure applications - managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality across multiple concurrent programs.
• Lead integrated product teams (IPTs) across manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, quality, supply chain, and production - coordinating without direct authority and maintaining program health across all workstreams.
• Serve as the primary customer-facing program leader for prime contractor and government stakeholders - leading program reviews, TIMs, and executive briefings.
• Translate customer requirements and RFIs into executable internal plans, working with technical teams to assess fit, develop quotes, and transition awards into execution.
• Maintain program governance - milestones, schedule tracking, budget oversight, and cross-functional accountability.
• Identify and mitigate risks across design maturity, manufacturability, supply chain, and schedule before they become problems.
• Support proposal shaping and new business transitions as the program portfolio grows.
• Contribute to scaling the PM function as additional programs come online, including potential work tied to a new production facility.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field - required.
• 5+ years of experience in a program management role within aerospace or defense manufacturing.
• Background in metallic structures, subassemblies, or fabricated hardware - machining, welding, sheet metal forming, or similar. Composites backgrounds are not a fit for this role.
• Experience leading IPTs or cross-functional teams without direct reporting authority.
• Enough technical depth to engage credibly with engineering teams and communicate effectively with customers on new program opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage cost, schedule, and risk on complex, multi-disciplinary programs.
• Direct experience interfacing with defense prime contractors or government program offices.
• 25-35% travel availability; must be eligible to work in an ITAR-controlled environment.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
• Background at a Tier 1 aerospace manufacturer or fabrication-focused defense supplier - structures, machining, sheet metal, welding, or similar.
• Program experience tied to missile structures, aerospace pressure vessels, thrust structures, or hypersonic vehicle components.
• Familiarity with defense contracting environments including Cost Plus, Fixed Price, and T&M structures.
• Experience growing into or transitioning from a hands-on engineering role into program management.
• Prior experience at a high-growth or startup defense technology company.
SALARY RANGE
$200,000 - $240,000 + Stock Options + Full Benefits
• The salary range above is an estimate only with final amount being dependent on a wide variety of factors.
• All roles include the following benefits:
• Platinum Healthcare Benefits with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at no cost to you or your family.
• 100% covered Basic Life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Lunch and fully stocked kitchen
• Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility).
