About this role
Job Title: Senior Program ManagerJob DescriptionThe Senior Program Manager will lead complex aerospace and defense programs from proposal through full execution, serving as a key interface between customers, program teams, engineering, and operations. In this highly visible and hands-on role, you will manage schedules, budgets, deliverables, customer communications, and overall program performance while working closely with production and engineering teams. You will thrive in a fast-paced, small-company environment where you wear multiple hats and no two days are the same.Responsibilities
• Manage 1–2 aerospace and defense programs from proposal through execution, ensuring all contractual and technical requirements are met. • Lead customer communications, including organizing and conducting weekly status meetings and providing clear, timely updates. • Coordinate detailed project schedules, milestones, and deliverables, and ensure cross-functional alignment on timelines and priorities. • Support proposal development activities by contributing to technical content, scope definition, and cost and schedule estimates. • Develop, negotiate, and maintain program budgets, tracking costs, labor hours, and material expenses against plan. • Monitor program performance using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles to identify risks, variances, and corrective actions. • Facilitate design reviews and project reviews with engineering and operations teams, driving decisions and actions to keep programs on track. • Work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and leadership to resolve issues, remove roadblocks, and ensure successful program execution. • Create and deliver presentations, technical documents, and customer-facing materials that clearly communicate program status and technical content. • Maintain strong, transparent communication with internal and external stakeholders, fostering trust and alignment throughout the program lifecycle. • Spend time on the production floor collaborating with operators and technical teams to understand build processes, address issues, and support on-time delivery. • Engage with prime contractor customers and related organizations, representing the company professionally and ensuring customer satisfaction. Essential Skills
• Proven program management experience overseeing technical programs from proposal through execution. • Hands-on experience in the aerospace, defense, or space industry, preferably supporting complex hardware or systems. • Demonstrated ability to communicate directly and effectively with customers, including leading regular status meetings. • Experience using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles to monitor and manage program performance. • Proficiency with Microsoft Project for scheduling, resource planning, and milestone tracking. • Experience facilitating formal design reviews and project reviews with cross-functional teams. • Background in negotiating, developing, and managing program budgets, including tracking costs, labor hours, materials, and schedules. • Ability to work onsite in San Diego and collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and leadership. • Bachelor’s degree, with an engineering discipline preferred but not required. • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, small-company environment and manage multiple responsibilities. Additional Skills & Qualifications
• PMP certification or equivalent program management credential. • Direct aerospace, defense, or space industry experience is required. • Experience working with prime contractor customers and organizations such as major aerospace and defense companies. • Strong presentation skills with the ability to develop clear, concise technical and customer-facing materials. • Comfort working on the production floor and collaborating with operators and technical staff. • High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to transparent communication. • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and requirements in a growing organization. Work EnvironmentThis role is based onsite in San Diego within a growing aerospace and defense organization of approximately 45 employees. You will work in a small-company environment where employees wear multiple hats and collaborate closely across engineering, operations, production, and leadership. The culture emphasizes integrity, accountability, flexibility, and transparent communication with customers. You can expect a mix of office-based work, participation in meetings with internal teams and customers, and regular time on the production floor engaging with operators and technical staff. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $155000.00 - $210000.00/yr.• 100% of health insurance premiums covered for employee and by-law dependents
• 401k match: 100% of the first 1%, 50% of the next 5% (in simple terms, you must contribute 6% to receive the full match of 3.5%), vested after 2 years
• Lunch provided daily Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.