Technical Program Manager – Defense Systems

About the role

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. This is a Permanent position based out of Mukilteo, WA. The position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 2026.

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