Sr Principal Program Manager - Aerospace and Defense in San Pablo
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- San Pablo, US
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 12+ years
- Category
- Project management
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or related technical discipline.
- 12+ years of program/project management in aerospace, defense, optics, or complex hardware (or 10+ with advanced degree).
- Experience leading technically complex hardware or opto‑mechanical programs.
- Direct experience with aerospace, commercial, or government customers.
- Proven cross‑functional leadership in a matrixed environment.
- Due to program requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Business.
- Experience with aerospace prime or commercial programs.
- Background in optics, optical systems, or precision subsystem manufacturing.
- Familiarity with risk management frameworks and readiness reviews.
- Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments.
- Proficiency with tools such as Wrike.
- Strong executive‑level presentation skills.
Full description
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAttalon / Location Overview
Attalon is a global leader in optics and laser solutions. Our Richmond, California facility specializes in the manufacture of precision optical components and assemblies. This site combines advanced engineering, mechatronics, and high‑precision manufacturing to support cutting‑edge technology across multiple industries.
Job TitleSr. Principal Program Manager - Aerospace and DefenseJob Details
Attalon delivers engineered optical, opto‑mechanical, and precision subsystem solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial customers.
The Sr. Principal Program Manager is an individual contributor who leads complex programs from contract award through engineering, manufacturing, qualification, and delivery. This role owns full lifecycle execution of technically sophisticated hardware and subsystems, ensuring scope, schedule, cost, risk, and customer satisfaction objectives are met.
The PM serves as the central integration point across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and business development. Success requires strong technical fluency, disciplined program execution, proactive risk management, and clear communication with demanding defense and commercial customers.
Responsibilities
- Lead program execution from sales handoff through delivery.
- Serve as the primary customer interface for technical and schedule updates.
- Maintain integrated schedules, execution plans, and cross‑functional alignment.
- Own program financials: revenue, cost, margin, forecasting, and corrective actions.
- Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, supply chain, and financial risks.
- Drive cross‑functional performance in a matrixed environment.
- Manage scope and contract changes.
- Deliver required program documentation and reporting.
- Resolve technical and quality issues with internal teams and customers.
- Support proposals, vendor evaluations, feasibility reviews, and follow‑on opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with ISO, regulatory, and export‑control requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or related technical discipline.
- 12+ years of program/project management in aerospace, defense, optics, or complex hardware (or 10+ with advanced degree).
- Experience leading technically complex hardware or opto‑mechanical programs.
- Direct experience with aerospace, commercial, or government customers.