Program Manager Jobs in San Diego, CA

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 8 years of program or project management experience, including at least 4 years managing software-intensive programs.
• Experience managing programs for DoD or other defense customers, including CDRLs, contract milestones, and customer reviews.
• Demonstrated experience with Agile software development methods and tools such as Jira and Confluence, and integrating Agile execution into an integrated master schedule.
• Strong command of program financial management, including budgets, EAC/ETC, and cost and schedule variance analysis.
• Working knowledge of the software development lifecycle, configuration management, and release management.
• Excellent communication skills, including briefing executives and government customers.
• U.S. citizenship, as required for ITAR-controlled work and security clearance eligibility.

Nice To Haves

• Active Secret clearance or higher.
• Experience with UAS, autonomy, robotics, or flight software programs.
• Familiarity with autonomy architectures, open standards, and ground control software.
• Experience with EVM and program control tools.
• PMP, PMI-ACP, or Scaled Agile (SAFe) certification.
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or rapid-scaling defense technology environment.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end execution of software and autonomy programs, including cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain program plans, integrated master schedules, and software release roadmaps aligned to contract milestones.
• Manage program budgets, EAC/ETC, and variance analysis, and keep leadership informed of financial health.
• Lead software development lifecycle planning from requirements through release, integration, and sustainment.
• Coordinate software, autonomy, systems engineering, flight test, and manufacturing teams to support hardware/software integration and on-time delivery.
• Translate customer and operator needs into prioritized requirements and capability increments, redirecting effort when stated requests differ from operational requirements.
• Plan and support software test events, flight demonstrations, and operator feedback activities, and incorporate feedback into the development backlog.
• Manage software CDRLs and documentation, including Software Development Plans, Software Version Descriptions, and test reports.
• Ensure software programs meet cybersecurity, export control (ITAR), and applicable airworthiness and safety requirements.
• Identify, track, and mitigate program risks and issues, escalating with options and recommendations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government customers, including CORs, PMs, and end users, and lead program reviews.
• Mentor junior program managers and support continuous improvement of Program Office processes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Equity grants for new hires.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November and December.
• Generous parental leave.
• Lifestyle Spending Account.
• FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
• Hospital indemnity insurance.
• Critical illness insurance.
• Accident insurance.
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance, covered 100% by Firestorm; additional life insurance is available for purchase.
• Free 24/7 mental health resources, including therapy.
• Free legal and financial support services.
• Relocation assistance may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
• Opportunities for career growth.