Project Manager

Description

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for the planning, execution, monitoring, and successful delivery of multiple projects and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) of varying size, complexity, and strategic importance. The Project manager has direct responsibility and accountability for assigned projects, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk management, resource coordination, and customer satisfaction.

Working within the Program Management organization and reporting to the Director of Program Delivery, the PM leads cross-functional teams and collaborates closely with Program Managers on larger programs while independently managing smaller and medium-sized projects from initiation through completion. Projects may include the design, development, manufacturing, integration, qualification, and delivery of avionics hardware, Command & Data Handling (C&DH) systems, mission computers, and related aerospace and defense products.

The PM serves as the primary point of contact for assigned projects and is responsible for ensuring project objectives are achieved while meeting customer expectations, contractual commitments, and company business goals.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $123,500 - $150,000 a year.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Primary Responsibilities

The Project Manager shall perform the following duties:

• Independently manage one or more projects or IPTs as assigned, with responsibility for project scope, schedule, cost, quality, and execution.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the successful execution of project objectives and contractual commitments.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate detailed project schedules, milestones, resource requirements, and deliverables.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions to address schedule, cost, technical, quality, and resource risks.
• Coordinate project activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance organizations.
• Facilitate project reviews, status meetings, and action item tracking to ensure timely execution and closure.
• Establish and track project budgets, labor plans, forecasts, and key performance metrics.
• Support Program Managers in the execution of larger programs while maintaining ownership and accountability for assigned projects and work packages.
• Identify, assess, document, and manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Prepare and deliver project status reports, customer presentations, and executive briefings.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned projects and provide regular project performance updates.
• Support proposal development activities by providing schedule, staffing, cost, and execution planning input.
• Coordinate customer deliverables, technical reviews, documentation, and contractual milestones.
• Review customer requirements, statements of work, specifications, purchase orders, and contract modifications to ensure alignment with project objectives and execution plans.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, contractual obligations, company policies, quality standards, and configuration management processes.
• Support project transitions from proposal phase through project execution and final delivery.
• Mentor Project Managers, IPT Leads, and project team members as assigned.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of project management best practices.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and effective communication across project stakeholders.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Education, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as an Integrated Product Team Lead (IPTL), Project Manager, Senior Engineer, or in a similar project leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously through development, manufacturing, qualification, and delivery phases.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Project.
• Demonstrated organizational, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and customer deliverables.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to coordinate activities across cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to drive projects to successful completion.
• Due to the export-controlled nature of the information handled in this role, applicants must meet the definition of a U.S. person under applicable U.S. Government export regulations. This includes: (i) U.S. citizens or nationals; (ii) lawful permanent residents (green card holders); (iii) individuals granted refugee status under 8 U.S.C. 1157; or (iv) individuals granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158.

This position does not include relocation benefits. Consideration is limited to candidates who live within 50 miles of Chatsowrth, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing Aerospace, Defense, Military, or Space programs.
• Previous experience leading Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) through development, manufacturing, qualification, and delivery phases.
• Knowledge of project management principles, scheduling methodologies, project controls, and project lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts and performance measurement techniques.
• Experience coordinating and leading cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance.
• Understanding of avionics systems, embedded systems, electronics manufacturing, or hardware development environments.
• Knowledge of Configuration Management and Document Control processes.
• Experience supporting proposal development, project startup activities, contract reviews, and transition to program execution.
• Strong customer-facing communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.
• Experience reviewing customer purchase orders, statements of work, specifications, and contractual requirements.
• Previous experience supporting NASA, Department of Defense (DoD), aerospace prime contractors, or other government-funded aerospace programs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required customer, facility, or security clearances, if applicable.