Technical Program Manager (Aerospace & Defense)

Divergent

$100K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry
  • Experience in project management, including risk identification and cost reporting
  • Familiarity with structural analysis tools and aircraft systems architectures
  • Knowledge of aerospace quality standards, ITAR, and DFARS compliance
  • Strong analytical and communication skills for stakeholder engagement
  • Ability to maintain a DoD Security Clearance

Responsibilities

  • Assist in planning and tracking aerospace and defense programs through their lifecycle
  • Ensure customer requirements are clearly communicated to engineering and manufacturing teams
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align on program performance
  • Support customer meetings and prepare status reports for contractual deliverables
  • Monitor program schedules and milestones for timely completion
  • Identify and mitigate risks to maintain program performance
  • Maintain accurate documentation and compliance records

Benefits

  • World-class compensation package including competitive salary and equity plan
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays with a year-end shutdown
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with HMO and PPO options
  • Opportunities for professional development and reimbursement for learning initiatives
  • Collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing work environment
Full Job Description
Purpose

Divergent is seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to support the execution of complex Aerospace & Defense (A&D) programs. This is an entry-level program management role designed for individuals with a foundation in engineering, manufacturing, and project coordination who want to develop expertise in managing technical programs within the A&D portfolio. The Junior TPM will work alongside senior program managers to help deliver mission-critical products on time, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
The Role
  • Program Execution Support: Assist in planning, coordinating, and tracking aerospace and defense programs from initiation through delivery
  • Requirements Management: Track and flow down customer and program requirements to engineering and manufacturing teams while ensuring compliance throughout the design/build process
  • Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, production, quality, and business operations to align cost, schedule, and technical performance
  • Customer Interface: Support customer meetings, prepare status reports, and ensure timely delivery of contractual deliverables (SOW, CDRLs, SDRLs)
  • Schedule and Cost Management: Help monitor program schedules, track progress against milestones, and support cost reporting
  • Risk and Issue Management: Identify risks and issues, and assist in developing mitigation plans to maintain program performance
  • Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records, action item trackers, and program documentation; ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and aerospace quality standards.
  • Metrics and Reporting: Prepare dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics for internal leadership and customer review to project programs health and status
  • Proposal and Business Capture: Support
  • Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement efforts to streamline program execution and enhance efficiency


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
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience within the A&D industry
  • Project management experience, including requirements decomposition and validation, cost estimating and reporting, and risk identification mitigation execution
  • Technical background in A&D programs, including familiarity with basic structural analysis tools, aircraft systems architectures, and knowledge of applicable government standards
  • Knowledgeable in aircraft structures, including design, analysis, manufacturing and qualification of airframe components and systems
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence both internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience with fast-iteration hardware-prototyping programs
  • Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams on A&D programs
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance


Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 5 or more years of experience within the A&D industry
  • Knowledge of additive manufacturing applications and/or munition weapon systems
  • Previous experience in program leadership positions such as Chief Engineer, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, or Program Manager
  • Active DoD Security Clearance


Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels S03 - S04 as evaluated through our interview process.
  • S03: $100,980 - $138,820
  • S04: $116,600 - $160,325


Pay Range

$100,980-$160,325 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.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Divergent

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Technical Program Manager (Aerospace & Defense) jobs: