Program Manager

The Structures Company; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

Job summary

The Structures Company in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex aerospace and defense programs through their full lifecycle, coordinating stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, and procurement. You will manage customer orders, engineering changes, RFQs, and cost reporting, ensuring compliance with AS9100D, ITAR/EAR, and security requirements.

Strong EVMS and ERP experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum 10 years of program or project management experience in aerospace or defense.
• Experience with aerospace primes and Tier 1 customers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, or DoD.
• 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.
• Proficient in MRP/ERP systems to support material and production planning.
• Advanced financial acumen with experience in cost analysis, scheduling, budgeting, and earned value management.

Responsibilities

• Manage full product lifecycle from development through production for complex programs.
• Coordinate customer orders, engineering changes, change requests, and RFQs.
• Maintain full financial ownership including tracking costs, forecasting, earned value analysis, and reporting.
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to meet milestones.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, customer specs, and AS9100/ITAR requirements.
• Drive accountability using KPIs and program reviews to monitor performance and course-correct.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation planning to maintain program stability.
• Coordinate 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 cost and technical narratives.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Earned value management

Cost/schedule control

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (Business/Engineering)

Tools

MRP/ERP software

Job description

JOB TITLE: Program Manager
LOCATION: Santa Ana, CA
PAY RATE: $175,000-195,000/year

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details

• Job Type: Contract (Full Time)

• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

• Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

• Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

• Shift: 8:00 AM 4:30 PM.

Qualifying Questions

• Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?

• Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

• Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary

• Manages full product lifecycle from development through production for complex commercial, military, and space component programs.

• Manages and coordinates customer orders, engineering changes, change requests, and RFQs.

• Maintains full financial ownership including tracking costs, forecasting, earned value analysis, and internal/external reporting.

• Leads cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to achieve program milestones and resolve issues.

• Ensures compliance with internal procedures, customer specifications, and regulatory standards including AS9100 and ITAR.

• Drives accountability using KPIs, earned value metrics, and program reviews to monitor performance and course-correct.

• Leads risk identification and mitigation planning to maintain program stability.

• Coordinates timely delivery of hardware/software and contract data requirements.

• Provides detailed reporting and recommendations to senior leadership and customers.

• Supports new business proposals and assists with developing cost and technical narratives.

Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Minimum 10 years of program or project management experience in aerospace or defense with proven success managing complex aerospace or space-related programs through full product lifecycle.

• Experience working with aerospace primes and Tier 1 customers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, or 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 with experience in cost analysis, scheduling, budgeting, and earned value management.

About Us

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

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