Aerospace Program Director - Lead High-Impact Programs

Applied Aerospace & Defense; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Aerospace & Defense is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex aerospace programs from proposal through production startup. You will direct cross-functional teams, manage schedules, tech requirements, and financial objectives, and maintain strong customer relations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business, 8+ years in low-volume/high-mix manufacturing (aerospace preferred), and at least 3 years of management experience. ITAR eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business required.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in a low volume, high mix manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace.
• Minimum 3 years of previous management experience.
• ITAR eligibility required: U.S. person as defined by ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accountability for program execution, ensuring contractual commitments, technical requirements, schedule, quality and financial targets.
• Provide leadership to Program Management and cross-functional teams.
• Lead transition of new programs from proposal to development and production startup.
• Establish and monitor program financial objectives.
• Balance resources and priorities across the program portfolio.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance to resolve constraints.
• Develop and maintain relationships with customers and serve as escalation point for issues.
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, pricing, scope definition, and new business activities.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and proactive problem solving.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business

Master’s degree (a plus)

Job description

Applied Aerospace & Defense is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex aerospace programs from proposal through production startup. You will direct cross-functional teams, manage schedules, tech requirements, and financial objectives, and maintain strong customer relations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business, 8+ years in low-volume/high-mix manufacturing (aerospace preferred), and at least 3 years of management experience. ITAR eligibility is required.