Program Manager

Round-Peg Solutions (RPS); Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Round-Peg Solutions (RPS) Limited seeks a Program Manager to own end-to-end hardware-led programs in a defense electronics environment. You will drive cost, schedule, risk, and customer expectations across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain.

Responsibilities include IMS development, phase-gate reviews (PDR/CDR), program financials, and mentoring junior managers while pursuing new business opportunities. US citizenship required.

Qualifications

• Background in hardware-led systems (defense, avionics, embedded systems, electronics, or similar).
• Confidence leading PDR/CDR events and constructively challenging engineering teams.
• Strong ownership of schedule recovery, cost control, and risk management.
• A proactive, self-starter mindset with the ability to make decisions under uncertainty.
• US Citizenship (ITAR environment).

Responsibilities

• Leading end-to-end programs spanning hardware, firmware, and software development.
• Developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to manage milestones, resources, and delivery commitments.
• Owning program financials, including budgets, forecasts, EAC/ETC, margin, and billing milestones.
• Leading all major phase-gate reviews (Kickoff, SRR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA).
• Proactively identifying and managing program risks, issues, and recovery plans.
• Coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and finance.
• Supporting new business pursuits, proposals, and cost/effort estimates.
• Mentoring junior program managers and strengthening program execution discipline.

Skills

End-to-end program mgmt

Hardware-led programs

PDR/CDR leadership

IMS scheduling

Cost and risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Mentoring

Defense electronics

Education

BS or MS in Engineering

Job description

Are you a Program Manager who enjoys owning complex programs end-to-end, rather than just reporting status?

Do you like working at the intersection of engineering, customers, and delivery, challenging assumptions and keeping programs moving ?

Want full accountability for cost, schedule, risk, and outcomes on real hardware products?

If yes, this is a great opportunity to join a defense electronics business delivering mission-critical, hardware-led products. You’ll take ownership of major contracts from award through delivery, acting as the single point of accountability and driving cross-functional teams to success.

The Opportunity

• Join a well-established defense electronics manufacturer with long‑term programs and customers
• Own complex product development programs from contract award through product delivery
• Act as the primary customer interface, managing communication, expectations, and delivery
• Drive schedule, cost, and risk management across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain
• Gain exposure to business‑level decision‑making beyond a single program or site

As a Program Manager you'll lead

• Leading end‑to‑end programs spanning hardware, firmware, and software development
• Developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to manage milestones, resources, and delivery commitments
• Owning program financials, including budgets, forecasts, EAC/ETC, margin, and billing milestones
• Leading all major phase‑gate reviews (Kickoff, SRR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA)
• Proactively identifying and managing program risks, issues, and recovery plans
• Coordinating cross‑functional teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and finance
• Supporting new business pursuits, proposals, and cost/effort estimates
• Mentoring junior program managers and strengthening program execution discipline

The Successful Program Manager will bring:

• Background in hardware‑led systems (defense, avionics, embedded systems, electronics, or similar)
• Confidence leading PDR/CDR events and constructively challenging engineering teams
• Strong ownership of schedule recovery, cost control, and risk management
• A proactive, self‑starter mindset with the ability to make decisions under uncertainty
• US Citizenship (ITAR environment)

The ideal Program Manager will have:

• BS or MS in Engineering (or related discipline)
• 4+ years’ experience in Program Management and/or Product Development
• Proven experience delivering products from development through to production

Compensation: Up to $180k + 10% Bonus

This role offers a clear pathway beyond Program Management. High‑performing TPMs can progress into Business Unit Manager roles, taking ownership of multiple programs, teams, and P&L responsibility, with a longer‑term pathway into senior leadership and VP‑level roles across the wider organization.