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

8574 Laird Technologies Inc (Us); Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Qnity in Carlsbad, CA is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense to lead both classified and unclassified customer programs, manage statements of work, and oversee security and program governance. This onsite role emphasizes driving contractual compliance, budgets, schedules, and customer satisfaction in a high-security environment.

The successful candidate will oversee CPSO responsibilities, SAP compliance, and facility readiness while working to grow business

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Security Management, Program Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of Aerospace & Defense industry experience.
• 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.
• Experience supporting classified U.S. Government programs.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Customer relationship

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics. At Qnity, we’re more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries – we’re a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

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.
• Experience supporting classified U.S. Government programs.
• 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.

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Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.

Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package.

We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our recruitment process. Join a global leader making tomorrow’s technologies possible, from AI to advanced computing and beyond. Here, your ideas spark innovation, your curiosity drives progress, and your journey powers the next leap in electronics.

Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our