Program Manager – Defense & Aerospace Industry

D B Control Corporation; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A program management firm in California seeks an experienced Program Manager to oversee projects and ensure customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include managing program budgets, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining project schedules from order entry to delivery. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience, preferably in the aerospace sector, and possesses strong communication skills. Salary ranges from $80K to $110K annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in program or product line management.
• Experience in the defense or aerospace industry is preferred.
• Strong ability to multi-task and adapt to shifting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage communications and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules.
• Monitor project progress from order entry to final delivery.

Skills

Customer relationship management

Project management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

MS Project

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers, managing communications and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, coordinating with engineering, materials planning, quality, logistics, and purchasing teams to track program milestones.
• Monitor project progress from order entry through material procurement, build scheduling, testing, and final delivery to ensure compliance with contract requirements and timely execution.
• Manage programs through the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept and development through production, delivery, and post-delivery support.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to resolve conflicts, prioritize tasks, and support efficient project execution.
• Provide clear, timely, and professional communication to leadership regarding program status, challenges, and risk areas, including escalation of issues when needed.
• Conduct regular status updates and risk assessments, generate recovery plans, and maintain alignment with customer expectations and business goals.
• Deliver clear and effective presentations to both internal leadership and external customers, articulating project status, challenges, and solutions.
• Oversee program budgets, labor planning, and resource coordination to ensure projects remain on track financially and operationally.
• Support and participate in design reviews and ensure all technical requirements are understood and met with the team.
• Maintain thorough documentation of project decisions, commitments, and changes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in program or product line management, preferably in the defense or aerospace industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of reporting issues and updating effectively to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize in a fast‑paced environment, and adapt to shifting deadlines.
• Highly organized, self‑directed, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong working knowledge of MS Project and ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience in budget analysis and labor/resource planning is a plus.

Salary

$80K – 110K