Program Manager Defense Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YOUR MISSION 

 True Anomaly is seeking a Senior Program Manager who will serve as a trusted partner to our customers, guiding mission-critical missile defense programs from concept to execution while seamlessly integrating technical, schedule, and cost baselines. In this customer-centric leadership role, you will foster strategic relationships, ensuring that customer needs are at the heart of every decision as you lead cross-functional teams, direct program support functions, and oversee subcontractor performance. You will work closely with the chief engineer and teams across systems engineering, mission operations, and program support to provide transparent, agile solutions that directly support our clients' goals. Your proven expertise in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and program execution will be key to advancing our national security mission and delivering exceptional value in the missile defense domain.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to dynamic situations 
• Create, implement, and own the coordinated program baseline (cost, schedule, technical) with the chief engineer 
• Serve as a liaison, with other customer facing team members, between our company and our customers-developing deep relationships to understand their needs and align our program goals with their mission objectives. 
• Lead cross-functional teams to successfully integrate and execute missile defense missions as well as deliver tailored products and services that meet and exceed customer expectations. 
• Direct the responsibilities and activities of the program team including program management, systems engineering, communications and IT, mission operations, facilities management, security, safety, and contracts/financial/supply chain support functions 
• Provide strategic direction and setting priorities that reflect customer goals while managing day-to-day issues to keep projects on time and within budget. 
• Perform risk and issue assessments with a focus on minimizing customer impact, ensuring rapid resolution and transparent escalation when needed. 
• Develop innovative solutions to resolve difficult program challenges including cost, schedule, and technical performance 
• Deliver compelling presentations and lead preparations of bids, proposals, studies, and deliverables, effectively communicating our value proposition during customer reviews and engagements. 
• Oversee and manage subcontractor activities to ensure all external contributions meet the high-quality standards our customers expect 
• Develop and lead internal and external program management reviews 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated experience delivering a complex space vehicle or weapons system through the entire engineering life cycle-from initial concept and design through integration, testing, and final deployment. 
• A proven track record in building strong customer relationships through effective team building, conflict resolution, and communication-both internally and externally. 
• Experience managing Department of War (DoW) or U.S. Space Force (USSF) contracts, especially those that require close coordination with the customer program office. 
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, high-value contracts (typically $50M+), with deep expertise in the research and development phase including budget oversight, risk management, and milestone-driven execution. 
• Hands-on experience managing risk and overseeing cost, schedule, and technical baselines in aerospace, engineering, or software development programs, all with a clear focus on delivering customer value. 
• Strong analytical background with the evaluation of requests for proposals and/or quotes. 
• Experience working within a cross-functional, geographically dispersed team environment to meet contractual commitments and create outstanding customer experiences. 
• Active Secret and eligibility to obtain Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance 
• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience; Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Master's Degree 
• Experience working missile defense, including experience with discrimination of threats from a target field and/or autonomous navigation of multi-object systems 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that every project maintains a strong customer focus. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong background in customer interfacing and experience in National Security aerospace programs. 
• Ability to establish new & further refining existing templates, tools, & guidelines for program documentation & execution 
• Experience with ensuring compliance with approved Corporate and ISO 9001:2000 Policies and Processes 
• Senior Program Manager: BS degree or higher in Management or Engineering or a related field is required plus 14 or more years related experience. 
• Active TS/SCI US government security clearance with SCI eligibility strongly preferred 

COMPENSATION 

• Base Salary:$140,000 - $250,000 

• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Work Location-Successful candidates will be located near Long Beach. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site. 

• Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job. 

• Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving. 

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Hybrid