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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Santa Ana, CA (NOW HIRING)

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC.

Program Manager, SME

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$235K - $295K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate has extensive experience managing large-scale defense programs, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering enterprise IT and service management solutions. This position ...

Marvin Group

DEPUTY PROGRAM MANAGER

Inglewood, CA · On-site

$121K/yr

Department of Defense and allied nations, is seeking a Deputy Program Manager to support our Launch Systems PMO. For more than 60 years, MEC has partnered with major prime contractors including ...

Marvin Group

DEPUTY PROGRAM MANAGER

Inglewood, CA

$121K/yr

Department of Defense and allied nations, is seeking a Deputy Program Manager to support our Launch Systems PMO. For more than 60 years, MEC has partnered with major prime contractors including ...

Canopy A&D

Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Canopy A&D

Program Manager

Ontario, CA

... Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Canopy A&D

Program Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Canopy A&D

Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

... Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Canopy A&D

Program Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

Canopy A&D

Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer ... Serving as a critical link between the Program Management Office (PMO) and Production, you will own ...

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 ...

Stahl Companies

Program Manager

Corona, CA · On-site

... defense-related programs • Proven experience managing contracts involving engineering, IT infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity • Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and ...

STAHL

Program Manager

Corona, CA

... defense-related programs Proven experience managing contracts involving engineering, IT infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and program ...

kgs

Program Manager

Bedford, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Audit Defense: * The customer is an audit heavy environment, so need experience in audit defense in ... program management, with at least 5 years specifically managing DoD Federal Contracts. Our Equal ...

kgs

Program Manager

Carson, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Audit Defense: * The customer is an audit heavy environment, so need experience in audit defense in ... program management, with at least 5 years specifically managing DoD Federal Contracts. Our Equal ...

CDW

Senior Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Familiarity with Department of Defense processes and infrastructure program management * Experience engaging with senior-level stakeholders in a federal or defense environment * Proven ability to ...

Koniag Government Services

Program Manager

Carson, CA · On-site

... defense in DoW contracting and show ability to manage team to bridge gap between findings and ... program management, with at least 5 years specifically managing DoD Federal Contracts. Company

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Program Manager Defense information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$40.1K

$111.8K

$163.4K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Santa Ana, CA is $111,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $137,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Santa Ana, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Santa Ana, CA are:

What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,821 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Operations Finance Manager - Defense Manufacturing

The Patriot Group, Inc

Inglewood, CA • On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Operations Finance Manager - Aerospace Manufacturer
Los Angeles, CA.
Location: Inglewood, California (Onsite)
Compensation: $125,000 - $155,000+ Base (flexibility for exceptional candidates)
The Opportunity
Most finance roles report on what happened. This role will help determine what happens next.
Seeking an Operations Finance Manager to partner directly with Operations leadership and build the processes, reporting, forecasting, and cost management infrastructure needed to support a rapidly growing defense manufacturing enterprise.
This is a newly created role with significant visibility and influence across the organization. Reporting into Finance while embedded within Operations, you will work directly with manufacturing leaders, program teams, and executive leadership to establish the operational metrics, cost models, budgets, and performance management systems that drive profitable growth.
If you understand manufacturing operations, cost accounting, earned value concepts, budgeting, forecasting, and how production performance ultimately impacts program profitability, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Why This Role Matters
  • The company is evolving from a traditional manufacturing company into a modern defense technology enterprise supporting some of the nation's most critical aerospace and defense programs.
  • The company has a substantial backlog, expanding facilities, growing production demands, and increasing focus on operational excellence.

To support that growth, the company is investing in a dedicated Operations Finance function that will:
  • Establish manufacturing cost and performance management processes
  • Create meaningful operational dashboards and KPIs
  • Improve forecasting accuracy and Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) methodologies
  • Develop budget accountability from the program level down to individual work centers
  • Support capital investment decisions and productivity initiatives
  • Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations

This is an opportunity to build something rather than inherit it.
What You'll Do
Become the Financial Partner to Operations
  • Work directly with supervisors, managers, directors, and executive leadership to improve financial visibility throughout manufacturing operations.

Build Cost & Performance Management Systems
Develop reporting and analytics that measure:
  • Labor utilization
  • Manufacturing efficiency
  • Budget performance
  • Cost performance
  • Schedule performance
  • Forecast accuracy
  • Resource utilization

Drive Budgeting & Forecasting
Lead the development of:
  • Annual operating budgets
  • Manufacturing cost center budgets
  • Labor forecasts
  • Program support estimates
  • Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) projections

Improve Operational Decision-Making
  • Create dashboards and reporting tools that translate complex data into actionable business decisions.

Support Growth Initiatives
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development teams on:
  • New business proposals
  • Capital investment analysis
  • Productivity initiatives
  • Cost reduction programs
  • Manufacturing process improvements

Develop Manufacturing Cost Standards
Help establish and improve:
  • Engineered standards
  • Work measurement systems
  • Labor performance metrics
  • Time studies
  • Learning curve analysis
  • Cost estimating methodologies

What We're Looking For
Required Experience
  • 5+ years of Operations Finance, Manufacturing Finance, Cost Accounting, Industrial Engineering Finance, or Program Finance experience
  • Experience supporting manufacturing operations in an aerospace, defense, or highly regulated production environment
  • Strong budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis background
  • Experience developing operational KPIs and performance reporting
  • Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
  • Ability to influence leaders across Operations and Finance
  • Aerospace & Defense manufacturing
  • DOD contracting environment
  • Manufacturing cost estimating
  • Engineered labor standards
  • FAR / TINA familiarity
  • Proposal pricing support

Preferred Experience
  • Earned Value Management (EVM)
  • Capital investment analysis (ROI, IRR)

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related field
  • MBA, CMA, PMP, APICS, or related certifications are a plus

What Success Looks Like
Within your first year, you will help the company establish a more integrated approach to operational financial management by:
  • Creating meaningful manufacturing performance dashboards
  • Improving budget accountability throughout Operations
  • Implementing repeatable forecasting and EAC methodologies
  • Strengthening the connection between Operations, Programs, and Finance
  • Identifying cost savings and productivity opportunities
  • Building the foundation for future growth of the Operations Finance function

Apply