Senior Program Manager

Aptiv; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptiv Interconnect in Garden Grove, CA is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead strategic aerospace and defense accounts across the full program lifecycle. You will act as the customer’s voice internally, drive NPI initiatives, and align cross-functional teams to achieve on-time, on-specification delivery.

You will manage pricing, quotes, and production planning, while developing customer roadmaps and pursuing profitable growth. A strong technical background and PMP is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or business; MBA preferred.
• 7–10+ years in Program Management, Product Management, or Key Account Management.
• Aerospace/defense/high‑reliability manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of interconnect products, wire harnesses, overmolded/cable assemblies.
• Experience with NPI projects, pricing, and P&L; AS9100 knowledge preferred.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident for ITAR compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all customer strategy and global accounts to drive revenue and margins.
• Manage the full program lifecycle from concept to full-rate production.
• Oversee NPI projects and customer documentation; lead RFQ processes.
• Coordinate internal teams for cost, pricing, and proposals; ensure schedule adherence.
• Manage change orders, communicate impacts, and monitor compliance.
• Perform duties as assigned by leadership; maintain ERP/MRP/CRM data integrity.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or business

MBA (strongly preferred)

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

CRM systems

Google Workspace

Salesforce

Planful

AwardCo

Syspro

Job description

We always do the right thing, the right way.

Job Title: Senior Program Manager

Location: 12691 Monarch Street, Garden Grove, CA 92841 USA

Department: Program Management

Reports To: Sr. Director Strategic Programs

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $145,000 - $165,000 per year plus 15% AIP

Summary:

At Aptiv Interconnect, we inspire the world’s most innovative teams by doing the right thing, the right way. We are seeking a Senior Program Manager to serve as the strategic and tactical owner for our most critical aerospace and defense customer accounts. This is a high-visibility leadership role where you will be responsible for the entire program lifecycle, acting as the primary point of contact for the customer and the "voice of the customer" within our facility. You will manage all customer activities, from leading New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and managing technical requirements to ensuring flawless execution on the production floor. You will use your business acumen to develop customer roadmaps, drive productivity/margin expansion, and collaborate with Business Development to ensure profitable sales growth.

Leadership & Core Responsibilities

Account Strategy & Customer Relationship Management

• Develop and execute customer strategies to drive Year-over-Year (YOY) revenue growth and achieve targeted Gross Margins; you are empowered to execute all business initiatives required to generate demand and profitable growth.
• Serve as the central bridge and primary liaison between the customer and all internal functions (Operations, Production, Supply Chain, Planning, Engineering, Quality and Sales), managing the relationship across all customer stakeholders.
• Lead all customer reviews (e.g., QBRs, design reviews), disseminate meeting notes, and drive all post-meeting follow-up actions to completion.
• Partner with the Sales team to gather valuable Voice of the Customer (VoC), market trends, and competitive landscape intelligence to identify new profitable opportunities and support future product roadmaps.

Program Lifecycle & Technical Execution

• Lead all New Product Introduction (NPI) projects for your accounts, serving as the customer champion for innovation, managing the program's lifecycle from concept to full-rate production, and ensuring successful NPI expansion.
• Provide end-to-end project support, including the management of all customer documentation, to ensure quality products are delivered on time to the customer's standards.
• Lead the request for quote (RFQ) process by validating the Technical Data Package (TDP), coordinating with internal teams to establish costs, developing pricing, and delivering formal proposals.
• Manage the contract review process for new orders, actively monitor internal production schedules, and prioritize jobs to support customer needs, providing timely and accurate status updates.
• Process and manage all customer change orders, ensuring that all cost, schedule, and technical impacts are captured, quoted, and communicated effectively.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Education & Technical Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or business (an advanced degree (MBA) is a strong plus).
• Experience: 7-10+ years of experience in Program Management, Product Management, or Key Account Management.
• Industry Domain: Required experience in the space, aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronic manufacturing industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of interconnect products, complex wire harnesses, overmolded assemblies, and cable assemblies.
• Demonstrated competency in product quoting, pricing strategies, and P&L (Profit & Loss) management. Proven ability to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and manage the full product lifecycle. Experience with AS9100 or similar aerospace quality management systems is highly preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical data packages (TDPs), blueprints, and specifications.
• Regulatory Compliance: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Certifications & Competencies

• Certifications: PMP certification is preferred with a strong emphasis in Critical Chain Project Management.
• Systems Proficiency: Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, strong proficiency in Excel) and ERP/MRP & CRM systems.
• Systems used: Google Workspace / ADP/Syspro/QMS/Smartviews / Salesforce / Planful / AwardCo.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional organizational, project management, and analytical skills; ability to develop and manage Gantt charts and program timelines. Polished communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the company with integrity and professionalism. Experience in P&L Management is a plus.

Compensation, Benefits & Legal

Total Rewards & Compensation Base Salary Range: $145,000 – $165,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Incentive Compensation: 15% AIP. Benefits & Perks: Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package featuring health coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and career development resources.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. In addition to federal law requirements, Winchester Interconnect complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Winchester Interconnect expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.