Program Manager

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Program Manager, you will lead complex defense programs that deliver integrated missile, propulsion, launch, payload, and defense‑system hardware. You will drive cost, schedule, technical execution, and quality performance while coordinating cross-functional teams to meet customer and mission requirements. This role provides a central connection between technical development, production execution, contractual commitments, and customer engagement to ensure programs advance from planning through qualification, production, and delivery.

Responsibilities• Leads assigned programs from planning and development through qualification, production, delivery, and contract completion.

• Owns performance against cost, schedule, technical, quality, contractual, and customer objectives.
• Develops and maintains integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, milestones, resource requirements, and performance metrics.
• Coordinates cross-functional execution across engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, contracts, finance, and test.
• Serves as a primary program interface for customers, prime contractors, government stakeholders, suppliers, and internal leadership.
• Identifies programmatic, technical, cost, schedule, and supply‑chain risks and drives mitigation and recovery plans.
• Leads recurring program reviews and communicates financial performance, risks, decisions, and corrective actions.
• Supports design reviews, qualification activities, test‑readiness reviews, production readiness reviews, and customer acceptance events.
• Manages contractual deliverables, statements of work, program changes, customer requests, and scope adjustments.
• Supports proposals, estimates, negotiations, follow‑on opportunities, and program‑growth activities.

Required Qualifications• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering, Business Program Management, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.

• 5+ years of experience supporting or managing aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or similarly complex technical programs.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications• Master of Science (M.S.) degree or Master of Business Administration (MBA).

• Experience managing Department of Defense, U.S. government, allied‑defense, or prime‑contractor programs.
• Experience with missile systems, propulsion, launch systems, payload integration, separation systems, energetic devices, or related flight hardware.
• Experience managing programs from development through qualification and production.
• Knowledge of government contracting and fixed‑price, cost‑reimbursable, or incentive‑based contract structures.
• Experience with Earned Value Management, cost‑account management, or similar financial‑performance methods.
• Experience supporting proposals, estimates, negotiations, contract modifications, or follow‑on program capture.
• Project Management Professional certification or equivalent formal program management training.
• Experience with program scheduling, enterprise resource planning, or product‑lifecycle management systems.
• Experience leading engineering teams to develop mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.
• Must be a U.S. person and able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance

Benefits• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off