Program Manager

Design West Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of cutting-edge aerospace and military technologies. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we specialize in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-performance solutions for our clients worldwide. Our team comprises passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace and defense.

Design West Technologies (DWT) is a small business, non-traditional aerospace and defense contractor that specializes in researching, developing and manufacturing critical capabilities in support of national defense requirements. DWT is vertically integrated from research and development (R&D) to final assembly and testing offering a unique combination of electrical, chemical, and mechanical product development for U.S. aerospace and defense applications.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Program Manager (PM) to join our DWT Research division located in Tustin, California. We are looking for someone with drive, talent, leadership, and experience in standing up and managing complex aerospace and defense programs from contract award to contract closeout. The PM serves as the primary customer-facing interface and owns profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for the assigned programs and reports directly to the division's Vice President.

• Full lifecycle management of DWT's programs from capture/proposal through design, development, production, sustainment, and close-out.
• Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), Integrated Master Plan (IMP), and Earned Value Management System (EVMS).
• Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and manage cross-functional teams (business development, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, quality, and finance).
• Serve as primary point of contract for the Contracting Officer, DCMA, DCAA, and other government stakeholders.
• Manage program budget, forecast, and financial performance reporting.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, cybersecurity (CMMC)/NIST 800-171), and classified program security requirements, where applicable.
• Identify, assess, mitigate, and report program risks and opportunities.
• Negotiate contract changes, Request for Equitable Adjustment (REA), and claims.
• Coordinate Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) for client review and approval.
• Drive affordability initiatives, cost-reduction efforts, and supply-chain performance.
• Prepare and present internal and external program reviews.

• 5+ years of progressive program/project management experience in defense, aerospace, or government contracting.
• Proven P&L experience on aerospace and defense contracts.
• Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Expert-level knowledge of EVMS, IMIS/IMP, risk management, and the Department of War (DoW) acquisition processes.
• Experience with DoW major program areas and functions (force protection, fires, movement and maneuver command & control, and information) across multi-domains (air, land, and maritime).
• Familiarity with emerging offensive and defensive autonomous platforms.
• Prior military service or experience as a government Contracting Officer a plus.
• Strong negotiation, briefing, and executive communication skills.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM).
• SAFe Program Consultant (SPC).

• Must be a U.S. citizen and obtain/hold/maintain a DoW security clearance at the level required by the program (typically Secret).

• Bachelor's degree (Engineering, Business, or technical field preferred);
  Master's/MBA a plus.

Join our team and be a part of shaping the future of aerospace and defense technology! If you have the skills, experience, and passion to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Design West Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.