Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical field, or equivalent experience
5+ years of program or project management on hardware programs, ideally aerospace or defense
Experience running schedules for complex, multi-team engineering programs through test
Technical depth to understand engineering tradeoffs and earn the trust of engineers
Clear, direct written and verbal communication
Experience with scheduling and tracking tools such as Jira, Linear, MS Project, or Smartsheet
U.S. Person status required (ITAR) and ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Responsibilities
Build and maintain the integrated program schedule from design milestones through ground and flight test
Track the critical path and cross-team dependencies, and lay out impacts and options when something slips
Track long-lead parts and procurement with engineering so hardware arrives on time
Run weekly status meetings and engineering syncs with clear agendas, decisions, and action items
Organize design reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-test reviews
Deliver concise, regular status updates to the founders and the team
Maintain the program risk register with engineering leads and follow through on mitigations
Coordinate test campaigns with ranges and facilities, covering scheduling, logistics, and readiness checklists
Benefits
On-site work environment in El Segundo, California
Opportunity to work directly with founders
Engagement in cutting-edge aerospace and defense projects
Potential for equity participation
Dynamic startup culture with a focus on innovation
Full Job Description
Technical Program Manager - Drive a multi-discipline interceptor program from design to flight
El Segundo, California | On-site
Opportunity Summary
This role keeps engineering moving. You will own the program schedule, run the operating rhythm, track cross-team dependencies, and make sure risks reach leadership early enough to act. You will report to the founders.
You will work across mechanical, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, seeker, and avionics to take the first interceptor from design through ground test and flight. Engineering leads own the technical decisions. You will make sure those decisions happen on time, with the right people involved, and that the outcomes are clearly recorded.
Job Duties
Build and maintain the integrated program schedule from design milestones through ground and flight test
Track the critical path and cross-team dependencies, and lay out impacts and options when something slips
Track long-lead parts and procurement with engineering so hardware arrives on time
Run weekly status meetings and engineering syncs with clear agendas, decisions, and action items
Organize design reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-test reviews
Deliver concise, regular status updates to the founders and the team
Maintain the program risk register with engineering leads and follow through on mitigations
Keep a log of key decisions and interface agreements between teams
Escalate blockers early and help resolve resource and priority conflicts
Coordinate test campaigns with ranges and facilities, covering scheduling, logistics, and readiness checklists
Track government contract milestones and deliverables, and support reports and customer reviews
Stand up and maintain lightweight project tracking tools and processes
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical field, or equivalent experience
5+ years of program or project management on hardware programs, ideally aerospace or defense
Experience running schedules for complex, multi-team engineering programs through test
Technical depth to understand engineering tradeoffs and earn the trust of engineers
Clear, direct written and verbal communication
Experience with scheduling and tracking tools such as Jira, Linear, MS Project, or Smartsheet
U.S. Person status required (ITAR) and ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Preferred Experience
Missile, rocket, or flight vehicle program experience
Familiarity with DoD contract vehicles such as SBIR and OTA and their deliverables
Flight test or range operations coordination
Hands-on engineering experience before moving into program management
