Aerospace Defense Program Manager

Karman Space and Defense; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense in Mount Vernon, WA seeks a Technical Program Manager to lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex aerospace 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience, including at least 2 years in aerospace or systems engineering.
• Ability to develop, plan, and execute projects.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional engineering teams in design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components.
• 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 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 priorities.
• Coordinates proposal efforts, capture activities, and transition from business development to program execution.
• Partners with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful program delivery.

Skills

Project planning

Cross-functional leadership

Cost/schedule/technical risk mgmt

Aerospace engineering experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field

Master’s degree in a related field or MBA (preferred)

Job description

Karman Space and Defense in Mount Vernon, WA seeks a Technical Program Manager to lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex aerospace 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.