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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 ...

Skylimit Systems

Program Manager

Chatsworth, CA · 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 ...

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 ...

Terran Orbital Corporation

Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to ... The Program Manager owns the customer relationship, organizes internal engineering, manages ...

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All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in California

Program Manager Defense information

What is a program manager 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 defense?

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 defense 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution.

Senior Program Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Divergent

Torrance, CA

$121K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

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

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