Sr. Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense

Watlow; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

401(k) plan with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Watlow in St. Louis is seeking a Sr. Program Manager for Aerospace & Defense to drive end-to-end programs from business case through contract execution and delivery, coordinating across engineering, manufacturing, quality and operations.

You will own regulatory compliance (AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, DFARS), build strong customer relationships, and guide teams to deliver complex thermal solutions in a highly regulated market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, manufacturing, or related field.
• 5+ years in aerospace and defense or related manufacturing roles.
• Proven track record in cross-functional program management and customer engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop business cases, multi-year program strategies, and go/no-go recommendations with OEMs and defense contractors.
• Own end-to-end program management for all active A&D accounts from entry to delivery.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, DFARS and related obligations.
• Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, IT and service teams.
• Engage with customers through visits, site audits, and technical reviews.
• Provide market insights to leadership and product teams.

Skills

Aerospace & Defense experience

Program management

Customer relationship development

Strong communication and presentation

Travel readiness 30-50%

Education

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

Job description

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

At Watlow's Global Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, we combine a rich legacy with forward-thinking innovation. Founded in 1922 in the heart of St. Louis, Watlow has grown from a small heating element manufacturer into a global leader in thermal systems. Our headquarters is more than just an office, it's a hub for collaboration, advanced engineering, and customer focused solutions.

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Sr. Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense (A&D)

St. Louis, MO (Onsite)

Watlow is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Sr. Program Manager to serve as the critical internal link between our Aerospace & Defense (A&D) commercial sales team and our manufacturing, engineering, quality, and operations functions. This factory-based role owns the full program lifecycle for A&D accounts, from business case development through contract execution, compliance management, and delivery, ensuring Watlow can successfully compete and deliver in a highly regulated, technically complex market. You will build credibility with both customer-facing commercial teams and the internal teams that deliver the work, directly influencing execution from within Watlow's operations.

What You'll Do

• Business case & commercial support: Partner with the A&D commercial sales team to develop business cases, multi-year program strategies, and go/no-go recommendations, providing feasibility and manufacturing readiness input on new opportunities with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and defense contractors.
• Program ownership: Own end-to-end program management for all active A&D accounts, from initial order entry through production, delivery, and ongoing program support.
• Compliance management: Manage all aerospace and defense compliance requirements, including AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, and DFARS, ensuring internal teams understand and can meet customer and regulatory obligations.
• Cross-functional coordination: Serve as the primary point of coordination across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, IT, and customer service, pulling together the right resources and removing barriers to program execution.
• Customer engagement & advocacy: Act as the voice of the customer inside Watlow's factory and functional teams, participating in customer visits, site audits, and technical reviews alongside the commercial lead to build long-term customer confidence.
• Market & industry leadership: Maintain awareness of aerospace and defense industry trends and regulatory requirements, and provide market intelligence and customer insights to leadership and product development teams.

What you'll need to succeed?

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace and defense, industrial manufacturing, technical sales, program management, or account management
• Proven track record of developing customer relationships and growing business within complex technical environments
• Strong project and program management skills, with excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities
• Ability to travel up to 30-50% as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace OEMs, defense contractors, or Tier 1 suppliers
• Knowledge of aerospace and defense quality systems and standards (AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, DFARS, etc.)
• Experience with thermal systems, sensors, controls, industrial components, or engineered manufacturing solutions
• PMP certification, MBA, or advanced technical degree

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

Benefits

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at [e-mail].