Program Director

Applied Aerospace & Defense; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Aerospace & Defense in Stockton, California, seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead mission-critical aerospace programs from proposal through production startup, and sustainment. You will build and lead strong cross-functional teams, manage program financials, and maintain customer relationships while upholding ITAR compliance and a relentless focus on quality.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree (engineering or business), with a master’s degree a plus, and at least 8 years in

Qualifications

• 8+ years in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment (aerospace preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of prior management experience.
• Strong communication and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee program execution to meet contractual, technical, schedule, quality, and financial targets.
• Lead and develop Program Managers and cross-functional teams.
• Transition new programs from proposal to production startup and sustainment.
• Align program financial objectives with annual operating plan.
• Balance resources across the program portfolio.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance to resolve constraints.
• Maintain relationships with customers and serve as escalation point.
• Support proposals, contracts, pricing, and new business activities.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and proactive problem solving.
• Reports to General Manager.

Skills

Program leadership

Strategic planning

Exceptional communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Join the team that builds for the best. At Applied Aerospace, we design, fabricate, and test mission-critical aerospace components for leading innovators like SpaceX, NASA, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. Every part we create reflects our relentless commitment to quality, reliability, and performance. Through precision engineering and purpose-driven innovation, we’re helping take aerospace technology to new heights — and we’re looking for talented individuals who want to be part of that journey.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain overall accountability for program execution and performance, ensuring programs meet contractual commitments, technical requirements, schedule objectives, quality requirements, and financial targets.
• Provide leadership and direction to Program Management, including oversight and development of Program Managers and their cross-functional program teams.
• Lead the transition of newly awarded programs from proposal and contract award through development, production startup, and sustained execution. Provide guidance on requirements review, establishing new manufacturing and testing processes, risk management, and managing customer expectations.
• Establish and monitor program financial objectives, aligned with the site’s annual operating plan.
• Balance resources and priorities across the program portfolio.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and other functional leaders to establish priorities and resolve constraints.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, serving as an escalation point for significant programmatic issues.
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, pricing, scope definition, and new business activities to ensure proposed work is executable and supports company financial objectives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and proactive problem solving within the department.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to support the successful operation and growth of the business.
• Bachelor’s degree in either engineering or business is required. A master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a low volume, high mix manufacturing environment, preferably within the aerospace sector; high caliber candidates with slightly fewer years of experience may be considered based on demonstrated program leadership and execution strength.
• Minimum 3 years of previous management experience.
• Ability to think through and provide solutions to technical problems. Familiarity with composites manufacturing a plus.
• Exceptional communication and strategic planning skills.
• Reports directly to the General Manager.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Due to the nature of our work and applicable U.S. export control laws, this position requires International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) eligibility. Only individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or asylees), unless specified otherwise within job description, are eligible for employment.

Applied Aerospace & Defense (“AA&D”) is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to disability, medical condition, or other protected reason may contact the Human Resources Department. Requests will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law.

Where required by law, the applicable pay range and a summary of benefits and other compensation for this position will be provided.