Aerospace Program Manager

L'Garde, Inc.; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

Retirement plan with company match

Life and LTD Insurance

Paid time off 4 weeks (first year)

Paid holidays

Job summary

L'Garde, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead complex aerospace development programs from proposal through delivery. You will bridge customers and cross-functional teams to ensure on-schedule, on-budget, high-quality results.

The role emphasizes risk management, collaboration with engineering, and strong customer relationships. A Bachelor’s in a related field and 10+ years in aerospace program management are required; DoD/NASA experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years of Program Management experience in aerospace/defense.
• Strong engineering background to understand complex designs and development challenges.
• Excellent customer-facing communication and relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful execution of complex aerospace development programs from proposal through delivery.
• Bridge between customers and cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Ensure programs are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to high quality standards.
• Proactively manage program risks and maintain customer communication throughout lifecycle.

Skills

Program management

Customer-facing

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

MS Project

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Electrical/Systems Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Project management tools

Job description

We are a full-service aerospace design, development, manufacturing, and qualification test supplier supporting Tier 1 primes, government agencies, and commercial customers. For more than 50 years, we've partnered with innovators to develop deployable systems that push the boundaries of what's possible—in space, on the Moon, and beyond.

If you're a seasoned Program Manager who enjoys leading technically complex programs, building strong customer relationships, and collaborating with exceptional engineering teams, we'd love to talk to you.

A Day in the Life

We're looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead the successful execution of complex aerospace development programs from proposal through delivery. This role serves as the bridge between our customers and our cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams to ensure every program is delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

You'll work closely with engineers to understand technical challenges, proactively manage program risks, and keep customers informed throughout every phase of the program lifecycle. In our collaborative, fast-paced environment, you'll have the opportunity to influence technical decisions, drive execution, and help bring innovative aerospace technologies to life.

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and aerospace experience.
• 10+ years of Program Management experience within the aerospace or defense industry.
• Strong engineering background with the ability to understand complex technical designs, engineering discussions, and development challenges.
• Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary aerospace development programs from proposal through delivery.
• Excellent customer-facing communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience managing program schedules, budgets, earned value, risks, deliverables, and contractual requirements.
• Strong understanding of engineering development lifecycles, manufacturing processes, and new product development.
• Experience delivering Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) and managing government or commercial aerospace contracts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office, and project management tools.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, or commercial aerospace programs.
• Experience working in an aerospace research and development environment.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems.
• Experience developing SBIR/STTR proposals and managing SBIR/STTR-funded programs.
• Active Top Secret Security Clearance.

What We Offer

• Be part of a team developing innovative aerospace technologies that support some of the industry's most exciting programs.
• Opportunity to lead innovative aerospace programs from concept through delivery.
• Collaborative environment where your leadership and technical expertise make a direct impact.
• Top-Tiered Benefits, 100% of both employee and dependents are covered by the company = Medical, Dental, Vision.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement and Company Match.
• Company-Sponsored Life and LTD Insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off Policy with up to 4 weeks in the first year.
• Robust Paid Holiday Schedule.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Pay Range: $145,000 – $170,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Join our team as a Program Manager and help lead the development of cutting-edge aerospace technologies while working alongside talented engineers and industry experts who are passionate about solving complex technical challenges.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans, and participate in the E-Verify Program.