1

Composites Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Program Manager who will be responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all activities necessary to ensure the successful completion of assigned program ...

Program Manager

Hayden, ID · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Programs have design engineering, manufacturing engineering, composites, and development components ... Manage programs across all lifecycle phases -- conception, terms and conditions, contractual ...

Program Manager

Hayden, ID · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Programs being managed have design engineering, manufacturing engineering, composites, manufacturing and/or development components to them. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable Accommodations Statement To ...

Programs being managed have design engineering, manufacturing engineering, composites, manufacturing and/or development components to them. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable Accommodations Statement To ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Composites Program Manager information

See salary details

$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do composites program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for composites program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Composites Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Composites Program Manager, you need expertise in materials science, project management, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, PLM systems, and industry certifications like PMP are commonly required. Strong leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you manage cross-functional teams and stakeholder expectations effectively. These skills ensure successful program delivery, innovation in composite solutions, and alignment with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Composites Program Managers when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Composites Program Managers often face the challenge of aligning the efforts of engineers, manufacturing specialists, quality assurance teams, and suppliers to meet strict project deadlines and performance specifications. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential, as each group may have different priorities or technical perspectives. Balancing cost, schedule, and technical requirements, especially when integrating new composite materials or processes, requires strong organizational and leadership skills. Building rapport and fostering collaboration across departments can help ensure project milestones are met and product quality remains high.

What are Composites Program Managers?

Composites Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing projects related to the development, production, and implementation of composite materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, in various industries. They coordinate between engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure that projects meet technical specifications, budget, and timeline requirements. Their role often includes project planning, resource management, risk assessment, and client communication, making them key to the successful delivery of composite material solutions.

What is the difference between Composites Program Manager vs Composites Engineer?

AspectComposites Program Manager
  • Typically requires project management certifications and experience in overseeing multiple projects.
  • Focuses on coordinating teams, budgets, and schedules for composite development programs.
  • Works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and clients to ensure project success.

In contrast, a Composites Engineer primarily focuses on designing, testing, and analyzing composite materials and components. They usually hold engineering degrees and technical certifications related to materials science or mechanical engineering. While both roles work within the composites industry, the Program Manager handles project oversight and coordination, whereas the Engineer concentrates on technical development and analysis.

Infographic showing various Composites Program Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Composites Program Manager

Composites Program Manager

Karman Space & Defense

Mukilteo, WA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Karman Space & Defense rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SUMMARY

The Program Manager is responsible for ensuring that cost, schedule and technical objectives of a program are met. Leads efforts to develop mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems that exceed customer expectations; leads customer interactions, including conference calls, meetings and reviews; conducts project planning to determine project cost and schedules, and to identify resource needs. Supports business development, including proposal writing and new business meetings.

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement*

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Develops long-term business relationships through programmatic interactions with customers such as verbal (e.g. conference calls, technical interchange meetings and design reviews) and written (e.g. emails, reports and proposals) communications
  • Executes project planning to determine project cost and schedules based on technical objectives, and identifies resource needs
  • Tracks project costs, schedule and technical progress to ensure that cost, schedule and technical objectives of a program are met
  • Ensures proper documentation of System Requirements and Contract Deliverables

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Preferred Experience: Composite or advanced materials familiarity, with a general understanding of engineering principals and processes
  • Required Education: B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Education: M.S. or MBA
  • Required Experience: 3+ years engineering experience, including minimum of 2 years in Aerospace and/or Systems Engineering
  • Preferred Experience: 2 or more years of experience managing teams and/or projects
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, plan and execute projects
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.