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Program Manager Defense Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hornet Acquisition Co LLC

Program Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

This role requires direct interaction with major defense OEMs (domestic and international) and ... Monitor and manage program KPIs, including schedule adherence, cost performance, backlog, and on ...

StaffingForce

Program Manager

Carson, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

This position requires strong leadership, communication, financial management, and program execution skills within a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or similar high-complexity environment. Key ...

Adecco

Program Manager

Carlsbad, CA

$33.65 - $38.46/hr

You landing a new Program Manager job in Carlsbad, Ca would be pretty good, BUT you landing a new ... aerospace, defense, medical, and advanced industrial markets. Working alongside senior program ...

StaffingForce

Program Manager

Carson, CA

$120K - $130K/yr

This position requires strong leadership, communication, financial management, and program execution skills within a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or similar high-complexity environment. Key ...

Iris Technology Corporation

Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Master's degree a plus * 5-10 years of program management or engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or complex technology development environment. Experience in electronics design/development ...

AMS Group, Inc.

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

New item (spare parts) and repair sales to government and other defense contractor customers and subsequent order delivery are also key responsibilities of the program manager. Daily tasks include ...

AMS Group, Inc

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$145K - $190K/yr

New item (spare parts) and repair sales to government and other defense contractor customers and subsequent order delivery are also key responsibilities of the program manager. Daily tasks include ...

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Program Manager Defense information

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 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 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:
Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 22% Full Time, and 77% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Technical Program Manager (Aerospace & Defense)

Technical Program Manager (Aerospace & Defense)

Divergent

Los Angeles, CA

$116K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production.

Purpose

Divergent is seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to support the execution of complex Aerospace & Defense (A&D) programs. This is an entry-level program management role designed for individuals with a foundation in engineering, manufacturing, and project coordination who want to develop expertise in managing technical programs within the A&D portfolio. The Junior TPM will work alongside senior program managers to help deliver mission-critical products on time, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

The Role
  • Program Execution Support: Assist in planning, coordinating, and tracking aerospace and defense programs from initiation through delivery
  • Requirements Management: Track and flow down customer and program requirements to engineering and manufacturing teams while ensuring compliance throughout the design/build process
  • Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, production, quality, and business operations to align cost, schedule, and technical performance
  • Customer Interface: Support customer meetings, prepare status reports, and ensure timely delivery of contractual deliverables (SOW, CDRLs, SDRLs)
  • Schedule and Cost Management: Help monitor program schedules, track progress against milestones, and support cost reporting
  • Risk and Issue Management: Identify risks and issues, and assist in developing mitigation plans to maintain program performance
  • Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate records, action item trackers, and program documentation; ensure compliance with ITAR, DFARS, and aerospace quality standards.
  • Metrics and Reporting: Prepare dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics for internal leadership and customer review to project programs health and status
  • Proposal and Business Capture: Support
  • Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement efforts to streamline program execution and enhance efficiency
Basic Qualifications
  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience within the A&D industry
  • Project management experience, including requirements decomposition and validation, cost estimating and reporting, and risk identification mitigation execution
  • Technical background in A&D programs, including familiarity with basic structural analysis tools, aircraft systems architectures, and knowledge of applicable government standards
  • Knowledgeable in aircraft structures, including design, analysis, manufacturing and qualification of airframe components and systems
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence both internal and external stakeholders
  • Experience with fast-iteration hardware-prototyping programs
  • Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams on A&D programs
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 5 or more years of experience within the A&D industry
  • Knowledge of additive manufacturing applications and/or munition weapon systems
  • Previous experience in program leadership positions such as Chief Engineer, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, or Program Manager
  • Active DoD Security Clearance
Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels S03 - S04 as evaluated through our interview process.

  • S03: $100,980 - $138,820
  • S04: $116,600 - $160,325
Pay Range
$100,980—$160,325 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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