Program Manager

The Structures Company, LLC; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Structures Company, LLC is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to oversee complex aerospace programs onsite in Santa Ana, CA. You will manage the full product lifecycle from development through production, ensuring cost, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction targets are met.

You will liaison between internal teams and external customers, drive KPIs and earned value, and coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to hit milestones in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of program or project management experience in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Proven success in managing complex aerospace or space-related programs through the full product lifecycle.
• Experience with aerospace primes and Tier 1 customers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, or the DoD.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer communications regarding program schedules, technical requirements, contract deliverables, and status updates.
• Manage and coordinate customer orders, engineering changes, change requests, and RFQs.
• Maintain full financial ownership of assigned programs, including tracking costs, forecasting, earned value, and reporting.
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality and supply chain to meet milestones.

Skills

Program Management

Aerospace Industry Knowledge

Customer facing communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

10+ years PM experience in aerospace/defense

Tools

MS Project

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

We are looking for a Program Manager to join one of our largest Aerospace Manufacturing clients sitting onsite in Santa Ana, CA. The Program Manager will be overseeing the delivery of complex commercial, military, and space component programs. This individual will be responsible for managing the full product lifecycle — from development through production — ensuring all program objectives related to cost, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction are met. The Program Manager will serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and external customers, maintaining strong control over schedules, budgets, and technical execution.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer communications regarding program schedules, technical requirements, contract deliverables, and status updates.
• Manage and coordinate customer orders, engineering changes, change requests, and RFQs.
• Maintain full financial ownership of assigned programs, including tracking costs, forecasting, earned value analysis, and internal/external reporting.
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to achieve program milestones and resolve issues.
• Ensure compliance with all internal procedures, customer specifications, and regulatory standards (e.g., AS9100, ITAR).
• Drive accountability by using KPIs, earned value metrics, and program reviews to monitor performance and course-correct when needed.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation planning to maintain program stability.
• Coordinate the timely delivery of hardware/software and contract data requirements.
• Provide detailed reporting and recommendations to senior leadership and customers.
• Support new business proposals and assist with developing cost and technical narratives.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and proactive problem-solving.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of program or project management experience in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Proven success in managing complex aerospace or space-related programs through the full product lifecycle.
• Experience working with aerospace primes and Tier 1 customers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, or the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Strong technical understanding of aerospace product development, including fabrication, composites, ducting systems, and mechanical assemblies.
• Knowledge of AS9100D quality standards, ITAR/EAR compliance, and defense industry requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through development, prototyping, production, and delivery.
• Skilled in coordinating with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and engineering to meet customer requirements and resolve production issues.
• Proficient in MRP/ERP systems to support material and production planning.
• Advanced financial acumen; experienced in cost analysis, scheduling, budgeting, and earned value management.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office, including MS Project, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong customer-facing presence.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high level of ownership and accountability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally) Position requires activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Position requires activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Position requires activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Physical Demands

Lift/Carry

• 10 lbs or less O
• 11-20 lbs O
• 21-50 lbs N
• 51-100 lbs N
• Over 100 lbs N

Push/Pull

• 12 lbs or less O
• 13-25 lbs O
• 26-40 lbs N
• 41-100 lbs N

Other Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position such as working at a desk on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• This position requires you to occasionally move about the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• This position requires the ability to navigate and access all areas of our campus.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Required Safety Glasses

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment is primarily within the manufacturing facilities, with moderate to loud noise levels expected from the operation of machinery.