Technical Program Manager

Karman Space and Defense

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • 3+ years engineering experience, with 2 years in Aerospace and/or Systems Engineering
  • Familiarity with composite or advanced materials and engineering principles
  • Demonstrated project development and execution abilities
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain DoD SECRET clearance
  • Preferred: M.S. or MBA
  • Preferred: 2+ years managing teams and/or projects

Responsibilities

  • Develop long-term business relationships through programmatic customer interactions
  • Execute project planning to determine costs, schedules, and resource needs
  • Track project costs, schedules, and technical progress to meet objectives
  • Ensure proper documentation of System Requirements and Contract Deliverables
  • Lead customer interactions including conference calls and technical reviews

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
In this role, you will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex aerospace and defense programs that integrate engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements. You will guide cross-functional engineering teams, manage program performance, coordinate customer and stakeholder communication, and ensure technical, schedule, and contractual commitments are met. Your work directly supports mission-critical capabilities and advances key company programs.

Schedule
  • This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities
  • Leads cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.
  • Interfaces with customers and internal leadership to maintain clear communication and alignment.
  • Supports business development through proposal writing and participation in new business meetings.
  • Ensures complete and accurate documentation of engineering activities, including drawings, reports, and presentations.
  • Tracks program performance using key metrics and proactively identifies risks and mitigation actions.
  • Supports technical reviews and program milestone reviews.
  • Facilitates program planning, technical decision-making, and change management across engineering teams.
  • Manages scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing competing priorities.
  • Coordinates proposal efforts, capture activities, and the transition from business development to program execution.
  • Partners with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful program delivery.
  • Performs other related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
  • At least 5 years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 2 years in aerospace engineering or systems engineering.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute projects.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
  • At least 2 years of experience managing complex technical programs in defense, aerospace, or government technology sectors.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

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