Technical Program Manager

Job Title: Technical Program Manager - Defense Systems

Job Description

This role leads complex aerospace and defense programs that integrate engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer requirements across hypersonics, strategic missile defense, tactical missiles, and integrated defense systems. You will drive mission-critical hardware programs from planning and development through qualification, production, and delivery, ensuring that high-performance systems such as launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, and integrated defense solutions meet technical, schedule, and contractual commitments. Operating close to the engineering teams, you will guide cross-functional technical execution, manage program performance, and directly support key strategic defense and space-related initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional engineering teams in the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.
• Guide programs through the full product lifecycle, including planning, development, qualification, production, and delivery of complex aerospace and defense hardware.
• Interface regularly with customers and internal leadership to maintain clear communication, alignment on objectives, and transparency on program status.
• Support business development by contributing to proposal writing and participating in new business meetings and capture activities.
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation of engineering activities, including drawings, technical reports, plans, and presentations.
• Track program performance using key metrics and proactively identify risks, issues, and mitigation actions to maintain program health.
• Support and coordinate technical reviews and program milestone reviews to ensure readiness and compliance with requirements.
• Facilitate program planning, technical decision-making, and change management across engineering and integrated product teams.
• Manage scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance while balancing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate proposal efforts and support the transition from business development to program execution to ensure a smooth handoff and clear execution plans.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and Finance to ensure successful and timely program delivery.
• Support Integrated Product Teams working on defense systems, missile programs, high-temperature materials, composite systems, propulsion technologies, and space and defense applications.
• Operate effectively in a defense-focused IPT environment by understanding engineering discussions, managing execution, and driving immediate improvements in program performance.
• Influence technical teams and contribute to technical strategy while maintaining strong customer-facing and executive communication.
• Maintain a strong presence in day-to-day program execution, ensuring alignment between technical work, program plans, and customer requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience, including a minimum of 2 years in aerospace engineering or systems engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, plan, and execute projects from concept through delivery.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams on complex technical efforts.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, scope, and technical risks on engineering or hardware programs.
• Technical program management experience operating close to engineering teams and technical execution.
• Experience with hardware product development, particularly bringing physical aerospace or defense products through development, qualification, production, and delivery.
• Experience working with complex hardware products such as missile systems, propulsion systems, defense hardware, or aerospace products.
• Strong engineering communication skills, including the ability to understand and contribute to technical discussions.
• Ability to influence technical teams and lead multidisciplinary teams in an integrated product team environment.
• Strong customer-facing presence and the ability to communicate effectively with external stakeholders.
• Executive-level communication capabilities, including presenting program status and risks to leadership.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous technical environments and make sound decisions with incomplete information.
• Hands-on program execution experience, with a focus on driving results and resolving issues quickly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• At least 2 years of experience managing complex technical programs in defense, aerospace, or government technology sectors.
• Experience supporting defense-focused programs such as tactical missiles, integrated defense systems, high-temperature materials, propulsion technologies, composites applications, and space and defense hardware.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management and product development life cycle for complex hardware products.
• Experience working on programs related to high-temperature materials, composite structures, propulsion systems, and space or defense applications.
• Ability to quickly integrate into defense-focused integrated product teams and make an immediate impact on program performance.
• Comfort working in environments aligned with government and defense programs and associated contracting frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, contracts, finance, and leadership.

Work Environment

This position is 100% onsite in Mukilteo, WA, within an engineering and manufacturing environment focused on space and defense hardware. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and leadership teams on a daily basis, supporting integrated product teams delivering critical defense and space-related systems. The organization emphasizes rapid design, development, and production of next-generation system solutions, including payload and protection systems, aero/hydrodynamic interstage systems, and propulsion and launch systems supporting numerous space and defense programs. The role offers a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off and the office fully closed on off Fridays, supporting a balanced lifestyle. The facility is located on the waterfront overlooking Puget Sound, providing a unique and attractive work setting, and candidates may participate in site tours during the interview process. The environment is highly collaborative, with a close-knit engineering culture and frequent interaction with technical leadership, enabling high visibility and significant influence on program outcomes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Medical ((PPO, HMO, HDHP) , dental (HMO and PPO options), and vision coverage -Health Savings Account (HSA) -401(k) with immediate vesting of employer match (100% vested immediately) -Profit sharing program -Life and AD&D insurance -Short- and long-term disability coverage -Employee Assistance Program (24/7 confidential counseling and support resources) -Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance *Requesting formal benefits package but they can also review the details on their website (scroll to bottom of page): https://karman-sd.com/careers/

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Huntington Beach,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.