Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Location: Anaheim, CA

Company Overview:

We are a Tier 1 OEM specializing in high-precision CNC machining for the aerospace and defense industry. Our capabilities include large-format CNC gantry machining, delivering tight-tolerance, complex components for leading primes including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. We are committed to quality, innovation, and operational excellence in everything we produce.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead and oversee complex aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. This role is responsible for managing the full program lifecycle—from contract award through delivery—ensuring alignment with customer requirements, internal capabilities, and strategic business objectives.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience working with major aerospace primes, a strong understanding of CNC machining environments (especially large-format gantry operations), and a proven track record of leadership in high-mix, tight-tolerance manufacturing settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional program teams to execute aerospace and defense manufacturing programs on time, within scope, and within budget
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman
• Manage program schedules, risk, cost performance, and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
• Translate customer technical requirements into actionable manufacturing plans in collaboration with engineering and operations teams
• Oversee contract compliance, change management, and configuration control
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across program execution, including lean manufacturing and process optimization
• Coordinate closely with CNC machining, quality, supply chain, and production teams to ensure alignment and performance
• Monitor KPIs and provide executive-level reporting on program status, risks, and opportunities
• Lead program reviews, including internal and customer-facing milestones (PDR, CDR, production readiness reviews, etc.)
• Mentor and develop junior program managers and cross-functional team members

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 8–12 years of program management experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience working directly with major primes such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman
• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, including tight-tolerance manufacturing and large-format gantry machining
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-value programs in a regulated environment
• Experience with contract management, FAR/DFARS compliance, and aerospace quality standards (AS9100)
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency in program management tools and ERP/MRP systems

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent
• Experience in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 aerospace manufacturing environment
• Background in machining, manufacturing engineering, or production operations
• Familiarity with cost accounting, estimating, and quoting in a CNC machining environment
• Experience leading programs involving large structural components or complex assemblies

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong execution focus
• Ability to operate in high-precision, high-accountability environments
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Customer-centric mindset with the ability to build long-term partnerships
• Leadership presence with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization

Why Join Us

• Work on mission-critical aerospace and defense programs
• Partner with top-tier industry leaders
• Be part of a high-performance machining environment with cutting-edge capabilities
• Competitive compensation and benefits package