1

Program Manager Defense Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager - Defense & Aerospace Industry We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and detail-oriented Program Manager to join our team. This individual will play a critical role in ...

Program Manager - Defense & Aerospace Industry We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and detail-oriented Program Manager to join our team. This individual will play a critical role in ...

Program Manager - Defense & Aerospace Industry We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and detail-oriented Program Manager to join our team. This individual will play a critical role in ...

Defense Technical Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$153.50K - $198.70K/yr

The Defense Technical Program Manager will lead the execution of autonomy and platform capabilities for defense and government-adjacent customers, ensuring programs are delivered with predictability ...

You'll work across hardware, software, safety, and ops sub-teams-aligning schedules, managing dependencies, and driving each program to delivery while maintaining the rigor defense customers expect.

Defense Technical Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$152.20K - $197K/yr

You'll work across hardware, software, safety, and ops sub-teams-aligning schedules, managing dependencies, and driving each program to delivery while maintaining the rigor defense customers expect.

Defense Technical Program Manager

Bodega Bay, CA

$153.10K - $198.20K/yr

You'll work across hardware, software, safety, and ops sub-teams--aligning schedules, managing dependencies, and driving each program to delivery while maintaining the rigor defense customers expect.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Seaside, CA · On-site +1

$121.79K - $197.20K/yr

Summary As a DMDC Program Manager (GS-13/14), you drive high-visibility DoW strategic initiatives ... Must meet Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements for a Level III ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Manager Defense information

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

To thrive as a Program Manager in Defense, you need a strong background in project management, defense acquisition processes, and often a relevant degree such as engineering or business, with security clearance frequently required. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and DoD-specific platforms, as well as certifications like PMP or DAWIA, are typically expected. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling them to manage diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure effective project execution, compliance with defense regulations, and successful delivery of critical programs within scope, budget, and timeline.

What are some common challenges a Program Manager in the defense sector faces when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Program Managers in the defense industry often encounter challenges such as balancing strict security requirements with timely project delivery, managing cross-functional teams that include engineers, analysts, and government stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with evolving defense regulations. Navigating complex stakeholder expectations and adapting to shifting project scopes are also frequent hurdles. Successful Program Managers proactively foster communication across teams and maintain detailed project documentation to address these challenges.

What is a Program Manager in Defense?

A Program Manager in Defense is responsible for overseeing and coordinating large-scale defense projects, which may involve military equipment, technology systems, or defense-related services. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all specified requirements and regulations. This role often includes working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and liaising with government agencies or military branches. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, as is a thorough understanding of defense industry standards and protocols.

What is the difference between Program Manager Defense vs Project Manager Defense?

AspectProgram Manager DefenseProject Manager Defense
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, strategic planning, and overall program successManages individual projects, ensuring specific objectives are met within scope, time, and budget
CertificationsTypically PMP, PgMP, or similar certificationsUsually PMP or CAPM certifications
Work EnvironmentOften in defense contractors, government agencies, or military settingsSimilar environments, focusing on specific project deliverables
FocusStrategic coordination and long-term goalsTactical execution of individual projects

While both roles require project management skills and certifications like PMP, the Program Manager Defense oversees multiple projects and aligns them with strategic objectives, whereas the Project Manager Defense focuses on managing specific projects to meet immediate goals.

What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in California? For Program Manager Defense jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities in California with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, and 96% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Senior Program Manager-Defense Solutions- Onsite Position

Senior Program Manager-Defense Solutions- Onsite Position

Curtisswright

Santa Clarita, CA

$138.70K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Senior Program Manager - Defense Electronics- Onsite Position

Relocation may be available for select candidates

We have a rewarding opportunity to for a Senior Program Manager to join our team in Santa Clarita, CA

As our Senior Program Manager, you will work with the mostinnovative designers and manufacturers of rugged processing solutionsthat deliver optimal and reliable performance wherever they are deployed. You will be responsible for the performance ofprogramsin accordance with contract requirements and company policies, procedures, and guidelines. You will also be responsible forsupporting new business developmentand increasing customer satisfaction.

Location: Santa Clarita, CA

Salary Range: $138,700.00 - 192,000.00 per year plus bonus.

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in California. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase PlanI Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Your Challenge:

  • Will work with Engineering and support organizations to analyze proposals with respect to cost/risk/quality, lead source selections and negotiation teams, and monitor subcontract costs, schedules, and technical performance.

  • Ownership of the schedule and cost management on programs managed - Holds program and proposal Kick-off Meetings, establishing baselines for planned cost, design configuration and schedule - Establishes and tracks metrics to monitor performance and progress.

  • Establish program status reporting to anticipate and take corrective action in problem areas before they occur, with appropriate line organization.

  • Must be familiar with the architecture and implementation of complex integrated systems for Defense and Aerospace; the hardware development process; the integration and test requirements and methodologies to support these complex systems integration activities

  • Lead multi-disciplinary teams within a matrixed organization

  • Act as a central authority for the Company in its relationship with internal and external customers.

  • Takes a proactive stance by developing contingency plans in potential risk areas and identifying contingency plan deployment criteria to resolve potential problems. Reports potential problems to upper management.

  • Ensure pertinent written records are maintained that document all agreements / commitments related to the project.

What You Bring:

  • Bachelor or Master's Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering preferred (or equivalent).

  • Must be a US citizen and able to obtain and maintain a DOD Security clearance

  • A minimum of 10 years related experience in the Defense and Aerospace

  • Experience in working with the Defense and Aerospace customer community and in serving as a principal point of contact to key military and commercial customers

  • Should have experience with customer communications, negotiations and proposal management

  • Contribute to weekly and monthly strategic planning, plan execution and technology roadmap updates and must be able to keep team members focused on schedule milestones and objectives and must motivate team members to develop cost effective, customer-oriented solutions and approaches.

  • PMP or MBA is desirable

Who We Are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Curtiss-Wright is recognized around the world as one of the most innovative designers and manufacturers of rugged solutions that deliver optimal and reliable performance wherever they are deployed. When you work for Integrated Systems, you get all the benefits and support of a large corporation (with over $2 billion in annual sales) while working in a small company environment (just 120 employees in our Santa Clarita office). As a member of our team, you'll be an influencer -- applying your creative skills to come up with innovative solutions that drive organizational objectives.

For more information visit https://www.curtisswrightds.com/company/locations-santa-clarita.html

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contactTalent Acquisition.

For US Applicants:EEO is The Law - click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.


What Curtiss-Wright employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Curtiss-Wright logo

About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

Social media