Program Manager (Aerospace)

Karman Space & Defense; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Company Paid Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking an experienced Program Manager to oversee engineering projects from conception to completion in Corona, California. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of engineering project management experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and familiarity with aerospace and defense environments. Key responsibilities include project planning, coordinating resources, and maintaining project documentation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in project or program management, preferably in aerospace, manufacturing, or defense.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects from concept through production.
• Familiarity with compliance standards like AS9100 is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop project plans including schedules and budgets.
• Coordinate resources across teams and departments.
• Track project progress and update stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering

Project planning

Problem-solving

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Jira

Job description

Summary

Without the strength of our Engineering team, we would not be able to offer the industry-leading service we’re known for. We’re seeking an experienced Program Manager Professional. The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience as a Program Manager. As a strong communicator and skilled hands-on Program Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering projects from conception to completion.

About Us

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement*

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Developing project plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Collaborating with design teams to ensure that engineering designs meet project requirements and standards.
• Coordinating with various teams and departments to allocate resources effectively, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies to ensure project success and safety.
• Implementing quality control processes to ensure that projects meet regulatory standards and customer expectations.
• Tracking project progress and milestones and providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Addressing any technical or logistical issues that arise during the course of the project.
• Facilitating communication among project team members, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed and aligned.
• Maintaining accurate project documentation, including plans, reports, and correspondence.
• Ensuring that all engineering work complies with relevant regulations, codes, and standards.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong foundation in systems, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering, with proficiency in relevant engineering tools, modeling applications, or programming languages.
• Skilled in project planning, scheduling, and resource management using tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or Jira.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, quality, and leadership teams.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proven capacity to identify root causes and implement innovative technical solutions.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide technical teams, delegate effectively, and maintain accountability.
• Working knowledge of quality, safety, and compliance standards within the aerospace and defense sectors.
• Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Awareness of aerospace manufacturing practices, precision machining processes, and defense industry requirements.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field is required.
• 3–5 years of progressive engineering experience in project or program management, preferably within aerospace, manufacturing, or defense environments.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects from concept through production, ensuring deliverables meet technical, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with product development, lifecycles, configuration management, and industry compliance standards (e.g., AS9100, ITAR, ISO) is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• As a federal contractor, Karman Space & Defense is committed to compliance with all federal employment eligibility requirements. We participate in E-Verify, a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. As an E-Verify employer, federal compliance mandates that we require documentation to verify your identity and employment authorization upon hire.

Work Environment

• This position operates in a professional office environment and occasionally on the shop floor.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Travel Requirements

• No travel is required for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

Other Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required