Technical Program Manager

Karman Space & Defense; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA) with 회사 대

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Seattle is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex aerospace and defense programs from planning through delivery, ensuring technical, schedule, and contractual commitments are met. You will guide cross-functional engineering teams, coordinate with customers and internal stakeholders, and drive program execution across defense initiatives.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance, 5+ years of engineering leadership, and a proven track record of managing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5+ years engineering experience, with 2+ years in aerospace or systems engineering.
• Proven ability to develop, plan, and execute projects.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional engineering teams in design, development, analysis, and testing.
• Manages program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Coordinates customer communication to align on objectives.
• Facilitates planning, technical decisions, and change management.
• Tracks program performance with key metrics and mitigates risks.
• Supports reviews and program milestone assessments.
• Ensures complete documentation including drawings, reports, and presentations.
• Collaborates with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, QA, Contracts, and Finance.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project planning

Cost management

Risk management

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Master's degree or MBA (preferred)

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role supports our Defense Systems business, bringing together Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles, and Integrated Defense Systems. Modern defense missions demand more than piecemeal parts or patchwork products; they require hardware that seamlessly integrates disparate technologies into a unified system. Backed by decades of flight-proven performance, our teams deliver tailored mission-ready solutions across air, land, and sea, including: launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, integration and deployment.

In this role, you will lead complex aerospace and defense programs from planning through delivery, ensuring technical, schedule, and contractual commitments are met. You will guide cross-functional engineering teams, drive program execution, manage cost and risk, and maintain direct communication with customers and internal stakeholders. Your work enables successful program outcomes and supports mission-critical capabilities across high-priority defense initiatives.

Schedule

• This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.
• Manages program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing competing priorities.
• Coordinates customer communication to maintain alignment on technical and program objectives.
• Facilitates program planning, technical decision-making, and change management across engineering teams.
• Tracks program performance using key metrics and proactively identifies risks and mitigation actions.
• Supports technical reviews and program milestone reviews.
• Ensures complete and accurate documentation, including drawings, reports, and presentations.
• Partners with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful program delivery.
• Coordinates proposal efforts, capture activities, and transitions from business development to program execution.
• Supports business development through proposal writing and participation in new business meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 2 years in aerospace engineering or systems engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• At least 2 years of experience managing complex technical programs in defense, aerospace, or government technology sectors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short-and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Salary Range

$140,000 - $160,000 USD

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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