Technical Program Manager

Karman Space and Defense

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of engineering experience, including 2+ years in aerospace or systems engineering.
  • Strong project development and execution skills.
  • Proven experience in leading cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Experience in managing cost, schedule, scope, and tech risks.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional engineering teams for mechanical and pyrotechnic systems.
  • Manage program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance under competing priorities.
  • Coordinate customer communication to align on program objectives.
  • Facilitate program planning and decision-making across engineering teams.
  • Track program performance with key metrics and mitigate risks proactively.
  • Support technical reviews and program milestone reviews.
  • Ensure accurate documentation of program processes and outcomes.

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
Full Job Description
In this role, you will lead complex aerospace and defense programs from planning through delivery, ensuring technical, schedule, and contractual commitments are met. You will guide cross-functional engineering teams, drive program execution, manage cost and risk, and maintain direct communication with customers and internal stakeholders. Your work enables successful program outcomes and supports mission-critical capabilities across high-priority defense initiatives.

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.
  • Manages program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing competing priorities.
  • Coordinates customer communication to maintain alignment on technical and program objectives.
  • Facilitates program planning, technical decision-making, and change management across engineering teams.
  • Tracks program performance using key metrics and proactively identifies risks and mitigation actions.
  • Supports technical reviews and program milestone reviews.
  • Ensures complete and accurate documentation, including drawings, reports, and presentations.
  • Partners with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful program delivery.
  • Coordinates proposal efforts, capture activities, and transitions from business development to program execution.
  • Supports business development through proposal writing and participation in new business meetings.

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.

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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