Head of Programs - Aerospace Manufacturing
$175,000–$225,000 year
On-siteSouth Gate, California, United States
Job Summary
Lead the company's Program Management organization, overseeing customer programs from initial opportunity through production and long-term account growth. Serve as the executive-level point of contact for key aerospace and defense customers, building trusted relationships across engineering, supply chain, operations, procurement, and leadership. Drive customer communication, program reviews, and strategic planning sessions while partnering with Business Development and Engineering on proposal development, pricing strategy, and contract negotiations. Develop execution strategies that align customer expectations with manufacturing capacity, engineering resources, quality objectives, and financial performance. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution, identify risks early, and develop mitigation strategies. Monitor program financial performance, including revenue, margins, cost management, and forecasting. Drive new product introduction efforts by coordinating manufacturing readiness and production planning. Establish standardized program management processes, reporting systems, KPIs, and governance. Collaborate with executive leadership to develop long-term business strategy and operational priorities. Support strategic customer visits, facility tours, executive presentations, audits, and contract reviews. Mentor program managers while helping build a scalable customer-focused organization.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of experience leading complex aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing programs
- 3+ years leading program management teams or customer-facing organizations
- Experience managing large, technically complex manufacturing programs from proposal through production
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, engineering, supply chain, quality systems, and production planning
- Experience leading executive-level customer communications and strategic account management
- Demonstrated ability to balance customer priorities with operational execution, financial performance, and business objectives
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
- Strong business acumen with experience managing budgets, program financials, forecasting, and resource planning
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional organizations in fast-paced manufacturing environments
Desired Qualifications
- Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience
- Experience supporting Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, General Dynamics, or similar aerospace and defense customers
- Experience managing long-term production programs involving precision machining, complex assemblies, or engineered hardware
- Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and government contracting requirements
- Experience leading organizational growth, operational improvements, or business transformation initiatives
- MBA or Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
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