Aerospace Program Manager

LeoForce; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Generous PTO and holidays

Job summary

LeoForce in Long Beach, CA is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead one or more space, satellite, and defense programs from concept through delivery. You will manage composites and propulsion hardware, serving as the primary customer contact for cost, schedule, and technical performance.

The role requires 5+ years in program management within space/satellite/composites/propulsion, with a Bachelor’s degree in a technical, business, or financial discipline.

Qualifications

• 5+ years program management experience with space, satellite, composites, or propulsion.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical, business, or financial discipline.
• U.S. Person status required (ITAR); Secret clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own execution of one or more space, satellite, and defense programs across the full product life cycle, leading composites and propulsion hardware from concept through delivery.
• Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance of composites and propulsion programs or subsystems.
• Lead customer program reviews and monthly internal program reviews.
• Direct cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and administration.
• Establish milestones, track master schedules, and develop recovery plans for off-schedule events.
• Support proposals, RFP/RFI/RFQ responses, contract negotiations and changes, and expand the product line with the customer.

Skills

Program management

Space/defense domain

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical, business, or financial discipline

Job description

Job Description

Experience: Mid Level

Salary: $160,000 - $200,000 per year

Job Details

• You'll own execution of one or more simultaneous space, satellite, and defense programs across the full product life cycle, leading composites and propulsion hardware from concept through delivery while serving as the primary customer contact on cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance of composites and propulsion programs or subsystems
• Lead customer program reviews and monthly internal program reviews
• Direct cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and administration
• Establish milestones, track master schedules, and develop recovery plans for off-schedule events
• Support proposals, RFP/RFI/RFQ responses, contract negotiations and changes, and expand the product line with the customer

Looking for:

• U.S. Person status required (ITAR); Secret clearance preferred
• 5+ years program management experience with a space, satellite, composites, or propulsion focus
• Bachelor's degree in a technical, business, or financial discipline
• Associate through senior program manager levels considered

Experience in any of the following areas welcomed:

• Composites manufacturing and processes
• Propulsion systems and launch/satellite hardware
• Earned value management and master scheduling
• Proposal development and contract negotiation (RFP/RFI/RFQ)
• Knowledge of U.S. export laws (ITAR/EAR); FMS and international contracting

A bit about us:

Based in Long Beach, we are a nationally recognized space and defense company delivering advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing for space, satellite, and next-generation defense programs. We specialize in complex composites and propulsion hardware built for extreme operating environments across launch vehicles, satellites, and defense platforms. Our deep material science, IP-enabled process expertise, and nationwide advanced manufacturing footprint make us one of the more capable independent suppliers in the region.

Why join us?

• Base salary $135k–$175k + bonus
• Medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k)
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Full-lifecycle ownership of composites and propulsion programs — from proposal through delivery
• Balanced pipeline of next-gen development, production, and sustainment across space and defense
• Technical-leadership track and direct customer ownership as programs and portfolio grow