Defense Systems TPM: Lead High-Impact Aerospace Programs

Actalent; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health Savings Account

401(k) with immediate vesting

Profit sharing

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Technical Program Manager for Defense Systems in Mukilteo, WA. You will lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customers to drive mission-critical defense hardware programs from planning through delivery.

You will work closely with IPTs on hypersonics, missiles, propulsion, and space-related initiatives, ensuring program health, risk mitigation, and on-time performance. Onsite role with strong leadership and communication expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5+ years engineering experience, with at least 2 years in aerospace or systems engineering.
• Proven ability to develop, plan, and execute projects from concept through delivery.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams on complex technical efforts.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks on hardware programs.
• Technical program management experience near engineering execution.
• Experience bringing aerospace/defense hardware through development to delivery.
• Strong engineering communication and ability to discuss technical topics with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional engineering teams in design, development, analysis, and testing of hardware components.
• Guide programs through planning, development, qualification, production, and delivery of complex defense hardware.
• Interface with customers and leadership to maintain alignment on objectives and status.
• Support business development with proposals and capture activities.
• Ensure complete documentation of drawings, reports, plans, and presentations.
• Track performance with metrics and identify risks and mitigations.
• Coordinate technical reviews and milestone reviews for readiness and compliance.
• Facilitate planning and decision-making across engineering teams.
• Manage scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing priorities.
• Support transition from business development to program execution with clear plans.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Aerospace engineering

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Cost/schedule/scope management

Hardware product development

Customer-facing communication

Executive communication

Decision making in ambiguity

Hands-on program execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Master's degree or MBA

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Technical Program Manager for Defense Systems in Mukilteo, WA. You will lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customers to drive mission-critical defense hardware programs from planning through delivery.

You will work closely with IPTs on hypersonics, missiles, propulsion, and space-related initiatives, ensuring program health, risk mitigation, and on-time performance. Onsite role with strong leadership and communication expectations.