Program Manager

Ignite Human Capital • Santa Fe Springs, CA

1d • $90,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are working with an established aerospace and defense manufacturer to identify an experienced Program Manager to join their Program Management organization. Our client designs and produces precision flight hardware for demanding aerospace and defense applications, and is expanding its program team to support continued growth. This is a direct-hire opportunity based on-site in Southern California.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of program or project management experience within aerospace, defense, or a regulated precision-manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ownership of cost, schedule, and scope on hardware programs.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing operations and hardware production cycles.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and interface directly with customers without direct reporting authority.
• Proficiency with scheduling and project tools (e.g., MS Project) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Available to work on-site in Southern California; this role is not hybrid or remote.

Nice To Haves

• PMP certification.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Familiarity with AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality systems.
• Background in flight hardware, structures, or precision machined components.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of assigned programs — planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout — for aerospace and defense manufacturing efforts.
• Manage program cost, schedule, and scope; maintain performance baselines and drive corrective action when variances arise.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, leading program reviews, status reporting, and change/contract discussions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and contracts to meet program milestones.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, risk registers, and program financials.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, escalating issues and mobilizing resources as needed.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and internal quality requirements throughout the program.
• Support proposals, estimates-at-completion, and basis-of-estimate development as required.
• Drive on-time delivery of flight hardware and all associated program deliverables.

Benefits

• Direct ownership and executive visibility across the program portfolio.
• Established, growing manufacturer with a strong aerospace and defense customer base.
• Collaborative Program Management organization with clear room to grow.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level