Program Manager III

San Diego, CA

Full Time

Program Management

Experienced

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As a Program Manager III, you’ll lead highly complex space and satellite programs from concept through delivery, serving as the primary interface between the company and external customers. You’ll drive execution across technical, cost, schedule, and quality objectives while guiding cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical solutions. From managing risks and financial performance to aligning stakeholders and ensuring production readiness, you’ll play a central role in delivering cutting-edge aerospace systems.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Lead Complex Program Execution: Manage one or more high-complexity customer programs, ensuring successful delivery against contractual, technical, cost, and schedule requirements.
Serve as Primary Customer Interface: Maintain strong customer relationships, lead communications, resolve escalations, and align expectations throughout the program lifecycle.
Develop Program Plans & Schedules: Establish program objectives, integrated master plans, and detailed schedules by interpreting contract requirements and coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders.
Drive Cross-Functional Team Performance: Lead and motivate teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, Contracts, and other functions to achieve program goals with accountability and efficiency.
Oversee Development to Production Transition: Ensure manufacturing readiness and a seamless transition from development into production and delivery phases.
Manage Risk & Issue Resolution: Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, implementing corrective actions to protect technical performance, cost targets, and schedules.
Own Financial Performance: Monitor budgets, forecasts, and program financials, conducting variance analysis and driving corrective actions as needed.
Manage Suppliers & Subcontractors: Oversee external partners to ensure performance, compliance, and timely delivery of high-quality components and services.
Ensure Quality & Compliance: Partner with Quality and Compliance teams to meet all contractual, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Report to Leadership: Prepare and present program status, KPIs, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and customers.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

Program Leadership in Complex Environments: Successfully leading large-scale, technically complex programs in aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding industries.
Customer Relationship Management: Building trust with external customers, managing expectations, and navigating high-stakes communications.
Financial & Risk Management: Applying advanced decision-making skills to balance cost, schedule, and technical trade-offs while proactively mitigating risks.
Cross-Functional Influence: Driving alignment and execution across diverse teams and organizational levels without direct authority.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical discipline.
5 or more years of progressive program management experience in aerospace, defense, or other complex technical industries.
3 or more years managing external customer programs, ideally within DoD or government contract environments.
Proven success leading programs from development through production and delivery.
Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Experience managing suppliers or contract manufacturers as key program partners.
Proficiency with MS Project or equivalent Integrated Master Scheduling tools.
Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) for program tracking and reporting.
Familiarity with electronic systems, space hardware, or avionics (e.g., communications, cybersecurity, processing, or payload systems).
Experience in fast-paced or non-traditional aerospace environments (small to mid-sized companies preferred).
PMP certification or equivalent program management training preferred.
Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance; Active U.S. Security Clearance preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $155,000 to $175,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

REFERRALS:
We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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Program Manager III

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