Principal Program Manager

Attalon, Inc.; Murrieta (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Attalon, Inc. in Murrieta, CA is seeking a Principal Program Manager to lead multiple high-profile aerospace and defense contracts. You will guide cross-functional teams, drive schedules, budgets, and risk management, and be the primary customer contact.

Responsibilities include developing statements of work, partnering with engineering and operations, mentoring program managers, and pursuing new business opportunities. A U.S. security clearance is required or eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• 9+ years of program management experience in aerospace/defense or related fields.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools and financials.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex customer programs from initiation to closeout, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to develop SOWs, budgets, and schedules.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Serve as primary customer contact and trusted advisor to ensure satisfaction.
• Mentor and guide other Program Managers to foster excellence.
• Partner with Sales and Engineering on proposals, pricing, and negotiations for new and follow-on contracts.
• Leverage market insights to identify growth opportunities and drive new business.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting to support informed decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Cross-functional teamwork

Budgeting

Risk management

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, or Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

About this position

Join Attalon’s Aerospace & Defense team in Murrieta, CA - a hub of innovation and collaboration where we tackle some of the most complex challenges in the industry. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers and shape the future of aerospace and defense. If you’re passionate about leading high-impact programs and driving results, this is the place for you.

Job Title

Are you ready to take the lead on programs that make a real difference? As a Principal Program Manager at Attalon, you’ll manage multiple high-profile customer contracts that are critical to our success. This role is all about leadership, strategy, and execution—guiding cross‑functional teams to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget. You’ll be the primary point of contact for our customers, ensuring their satisfaction while identifying opportunities to grow our business. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment and love turning challenges into wins, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Drive the success of complex customer programs from start to finish, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to develop Statements of Work, budgets, and schedules that deliver results.
• Proactively identify risks and implement strategies to keep projects on track.
• Serve as the trusted advisor and main point of contact for customers, building strong relationships and ensuring satisfaction.
• Mentor and guide other Program Managers, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Partner with Sales and Engineering on proposals, pricing strategies, and negotiations for new and follow‑on contracts.
• Leverage market insights to identify new business opportunities and drive growth.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting to support transparency and informed decision‑making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, or a technical field such as Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 9+ years of program management experience in a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and other project management tools.
• Solid understanding of program financials, budgeting, and risk management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Security Clearance and prior Aerospace or Defense experience.
• PMP Certification.
• Experience managing complex contract types (FFP, T&M, CPFF).
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and mentor others.
• Strong business development skills and ability to identify growth opportunities.

For California, the base salary pay range for this role is $95,246.00 - $168,564.00

Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a "U.S. Person" under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.