Program Manager III

Innoflight • San Diego, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY: Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together. A DAY IN THE LIFE: As a Program Manager III , you’ll lead highly complex space and satellite programs from concept through delivery, serving as the primary interface between the company and external customers. You’ll drive execution across technical, cost, schedule, and quality objectives while guiding cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical solutions. From managing risks and financial performance to aligning stakeholders and ensuring production readiness, you’ll play a central role in delivering cutting-edge aerospace systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical discipline.
• 5 or more years of progressive program management experience in aerospace, defense, or other complex technical industries.
• 3 or more years managing external customer programs, ideally within DoD or government contract environments.
• Proven success leading programs from development through production and delivery.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing suppliers or contract manufacturers as key program partners.
• Proficiency with MS Project or equivalent Integrated Master Scheduling tools.
• Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) for program tracking and reporting.
• Familiarity with electronic systems, space hardware, or avionics (e.g., communications, cybersecurity, processing, or payload systems).
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance; Active U.S. Security Clearance preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in fast-paced or non-traditional aerospace environments (small to mid-sized companies preferred).
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Complex Program Execution: Manage one or more high-complexity customer programs, ensuring successful delivery against contractual, technical, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Serve as Primary Customer Interface: Maintain strong customer relationships, lead communications, resolve escalations, and align expectations throughout the program lifecycle.
• Develop Program Plans & Schedules: Establish program objectives, integrated master plans, and detailed schedules by interpreting contract requirements and coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Drive Cross-Functional Team Performance: Lead and motivate teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, Contracts, and other functions to achieve program goals with accountability and efficiency.
• Oversee Development to Production Transition: Ensure manufacturing readiness and a seamless transition from development into production and delivery phases.
• Manage Risk & Issue Resolution: Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, implementing corrective actions to protect technical performance, cost targets, and schedules.
• Own Financial Performance: Monitor budgets, forecasts, and program financials, conducting variance analysis and driving corrective actions as needed.
• Manage Suppliers & Subcontractors: Oversee external partners to ensure performance, compliance, and timely delivery of high-quality components and services.
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Partner with Quality and Compliance teams to meet all contractual, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Report to Leadership: Prepare and present program status, KPIs, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and customers.

Benefits

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.
• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees