Customer Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense (A&D)

Qnity Electronics, Inc.; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Qnity Electronics, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA seeks a Senior Program Manager for Aerospace & Defense to lead customer programs, manage SOWs, and oversee security and compliance across classified and unclassified engagements.

You will build relationships with government agencies and defense contractors, drive program performance, controls, and strategic growth while leading cross-functional teams in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, Finance, and Security.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Aerospace & Defense industry experience.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership in managing customer programs or government contracts.
• Experience administering SOWs and government contracts.
• Strong financial, operational, and customer management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and executive stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead Aerospace & Defense programs and manage budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Own and administer SOWs, contract modifications, and program performance metrics.
• Interface with government agencies and defense contractors to drive satisfaction and growth.
• Oversee classified programs, CPSO responsibilities, SAP compliance, audits and access control.
• Lead SAPF operations ensuring accreditation and security for engagements.
• Manage program financial performance including revenue, margins, forecasting and risk.
• Support proposal development, capture activities and strategic growth.
• Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, Finance, and Security.

Skills

Leadership experience

Customer program management

SOW administration

Financial acumen

Communication

Executive stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Security Management, Program Management, or a related field

Job description

Position Summary

Qnity is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense. This role serves as the commercial and operational leader for Aerospace & Defense customer engagements. This role is responsible for customer program management, Statement of Work (SOW) administration, classified program security oversight, SAPF operations, customer relationship management, and business growth activities.

The successful candidate will lead both classified and unclassified customer programs, ensuring contractual compliance, operational execution, security adherence, and exceptional customer satisfaction while supporting long-term business growth.

This role is 100% onsite based in our Carlsbad, CA office. Candidates who currently live within a commutable distance to that location will be given priority.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available now or in the future for this opportunity

What You'll Do

• Lead Aerospace & Defense customer programs, ensuring successful execution of contractual requirements, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Own and administer Statements of Work (SOWs), contract modifications, customer commitments, and program performance metrics.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, building strategic relationships with government agencies, defense contractors, and key stakeholders while driving customer satisfaction and issue resolution.
• Provide oversight of classified programs, including CPSO responsibilities, SAP compliance, security audits, access management, and classified information protection.
• Lead SAPF operations, ensuring facility accreditation, compliance, operational readiness, and support for secure customer engagements.
• Manage program financial performance, including revenue, margin, forecasting, risk mitigation, and business growth opportunities.
• Support proposal development, capture activities, and strategic account growth initiatives.
• Lead and develop cross-functional teams while driving collaboration, operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, Finance, and Security functions.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Security Management, Program Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of Aerospace & Defense industry experience.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing customer programs, security operations, or government contracts.
• Experience administering Statements of Work (SOWs), government contracts, and customer program execution.
• Strong financial, operational, and customer management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous CPSO designation and experience supporting classified government programs.
• SAPF management or administration experience.
• Experience supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, Space, Aerospace, or Defense Prime Contractor programs.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification.
• Working knowledge of NISPOM, FAR, DFARS, ITAR, AS9100, and U.S. Government security requirements.