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Aerospace Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Aerospace SSP, a division of Senior plc, is the world's largest aerospace high-pressure ... The Program Manager will manage and improve new and existing programs through excellent leadership ...

Senior Aerospace SSP, a division of Senior plc, is the world's largest aerospace high-pressure ... The Program Manager will manage and improve new and existing programs through excellent leadership ...

The Program Manager will work cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain ... The ideal candidate combines hands-on aerospace manufacturing engineering experience with strong ...

Program Manager

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Signia Aerospace is a global, integrated provider of high-performance systems and specialized ... Monday - Friday Pay: $150,000 - $170,000 per year The Program Manager is responsible for end-to-end ...

The Program Manager will work cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain ... The ideal candidate combines hands-on aerospace manufacturing engineering experience with strong ...

Program Manager

Chatsworth, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

... aerospace, defense, space, and advanced technology. They specialize in manufacturing high ... Position Overview As the Program Manager, you will oversee customer programs from initial planning ...

Program Manager

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to ... The Program Manager owns the customer relationship, organizes internal engineering, manages ...

Program Manager

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to ... The Program Manager owns the customer relationship, organizes internal engineering, manages ...

Staff Program Manager

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $146K/yr

... aerospace industry * 5+ years of experience in a Senior (or above) program management role with ... demonstrated ability to influence technical direction and contribute to strategic decision-making

Staff Program Manager

Brea, CA ยท Hybrid

$130K - $146K/yr

... aerospace industry * 5+ years of experience in a Senior (or above) program management role with ... demonstrated ability to influence technical direction and contribute to strategic decision-making

Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology. Take ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Staff Program Manager

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $146K/yr

... aerospace industry * 5+ years of experience in a Senior (or above) program management role with ... demonstrated ability to influence technical direction and contribute to strategic decision-making

Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology. Take ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology. Take ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology. Take ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology. Take ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology. Take ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Showing results 41-60

Aerospace Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do aerospace program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace program manager?

Aerospace Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating complex aerospace projects, such as the development of aircraft, spacecraft, or related systems. They manage teams, budgets, schedules, and ensure that project goals align with organizational objectives and industry regulations. Their role involves risk assessment, resource allocation, stakeholder communication, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Aerospace Program Managers often work closely with engineers, clients, and government agencies to deliver successful aerospace programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace program manager?

To thrive as an Aerospace Program Manager, you need a background in engineering or a related technical field, strong project management experience, and typically a relevant degree such as aerospace engineering or business management. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), industry regulations, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are highly valued. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in effectively guiding cross-functional teams and managing complex programs. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with stringent safety and quality standards.

How do aerospace program managers typically collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams during a project lifecycle?

Aerospace Program Managers play a central role in coordinating efforts between engineering, manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams. They facilitate regular meetings to align project goals, timelines, and technical requirements, ensuring that all teams are informed of changes or challenges. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are essential, as managers often bridge gaps between technical and operational perspectives. They also monitor progress against milestones and adjust plans as necessary to meet quality and safety standards, while keeping stakeholders updated throughout the project.

What is the difference between Aerospace Program Manager vs Aerospace Project Engineer?

AspectAerospace Program ManagerAerospace Project Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace engineering, project management certificationsBachelor's or higher in aerospace engineering, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, strategic planningFocuses on technical design, development, and testing of specific projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in aerospace companies, defense contractors, space agenciesCommon in aerospace firms, research labs, manufacturing

The Aerospace Program Manager primarily oversees multiple projects, manages teams, and handles strategic planning, while the Aerospace Project Engineer focuses on technical design, development, and testing of specific aerospace projects. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but the Program Manager emphasizes leadership and coordination, whereas the Project Engineer concentrates on technical execution.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Program Manager jobs in California?

For Aerospace Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerospace Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerospace Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Aerospace Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Aerospace Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Senior Program Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Divergent

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$179K - $247K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world's most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Purpose

We are seeking a highly-skilled and experienced Senior Program Manager to oversee Divergent's aerospace and defense (A&D) efforts. As one of the early hires in the A&D division, this individual will own defense programs focused on deploying Divergent's technology on new and legacy defense programs. This individual will also lead programs that focus on the expansion of Divergent's capabilities enabling the utilization of DAPS™ for a broader set of defense applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in aerospace structures, with a particular emphasis on aerial defense systems such as unmanned aerial systems or missiles. The Senior/Principal Program Manager will be responsible for leading programs with defense primes and Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders to execute Divergent's programs efficiently and effectively.

The Role
  • Manage all aspects of aerospace and defense programs, from inception to completion, ensuring on-time delivery of program deliverables and within cost, schedule, and performance requirements
  • Lead cross-functional team by providing strategic technical guidance and programmatic constraints on cross-functional teams consisting of engineering, manufacturing, and customer personnel
  • Set framework and analysis parameters with internal engineering teams and customer teams to characterize programmatic, technical, and risk trades
  • Build and utilize Divergent program management tools, systems, and templates to draft proposals, write-up statements of work, and track program performance (cost, schedule, and performance)
  • Monitor program performance against established metrics and milestones, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary
  • Formulate program strategy across a portfolio of customers, identifying new development opportunities, technology risks, and partnerships that Divergent should focus on
  • Develop and maintain relationships with defense primes, subcontractors, and DoD stakeholders to facilitate program success and build new contracting opportunities
Basic Qualifications
  • Active Secret Clearance desired; Top Secret Clearance preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management within the aerospace and defense industry
  • Strong technical background in aerospace structures programs, including familiarity with basic structural analysis tools such as finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Knowledge of additive manufacturing applications and robotic assembly systems
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence both internal and external stakeholders
  • Proven track record of successfully managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders and dependencies
  • Experience with DoD acquisition cycles and federal acquisition regulations (FAR)
  • Experience supporting analysis and completing documentations for airworthiness certifications. Experience engaging directly with DoD airworthiness stakeholders such as the Air Force Test Center (AFTC) or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Experience with fast iteration hardware prototyping programs
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Previous experience in technical leadership positions such as Chief Engineer or Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead is preferred
  • PMP certification or equivalent is preferred
Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels S05 - S07 as evaluated through our interview process.

  • Senior / S05: $134,640 - $185,130
  • Lead / S06: $155,540 - $213,840
  • Principal / S07: $179,630 - $247,005
Pay Range
$134,640—$247,005 USD

What We Offer:

  • Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
  • Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
  • Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
  • Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
  • Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.


Equal Employment Opportunity
Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
EEO Poster

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected.

E-Verify: Right to Work
Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate's eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)

Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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