About the Company:

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA. Our founding team hails from SpaceX, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and several  Silicon Valley firms. With a world-class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Program Director / Technical Program Manager to lead the development and execution of an Air Defense Interceptor system. This leader will oversee the full lifecycle of interceptor programs—from concept development through deployment—ensuring performance, cost, and schedule objectives are met in alignment with national and international defense priorities.
This leadership role requires deep technical acumen, strong program management skills, and the ability to interface with senior government stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the planning, execution, and delivery of interceptor programs in alignment with requirements and milestones (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Serve as technical lead and responsible chief engineer of flight vehicle from development through qualification to production & fielding.
• Serve as the primary interface with the government customer (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force Acquisition Agencies and Operational Organizations) to ensure alignment of objectives, risk mitigation, and transparent communication.
• Direct cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, finance, contracts, and quality assurance.
• Oversee program budget, cost controls, and reporting to ensure profitability and compliance.
• Lead risk management efforts, including threat assessments, system integration challenges, and test planning.
• Support business development initiatives including proposal development, customer briefings, and capture strategy for future air defense programs.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Government acquisition policies, ITAR, and export control regulations.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Proven ability to lead and integrate Aerodynamic designs including Propulsion, Guidance, Navigation & Control.
• 10+ years of experience in program management within the defense or aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex air defense, interceptor, missile, and integration with sensors.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and deliver programs on schedule and within budget.
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes (e.g., FAR/DFARS).
• Ability to get a US classified security clearance

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• PMP certification or equivalent DoD Program Manager certification (e.g., DAWIA Level III).
• Experience working with U.S. military service branches (Research, Acquisition, and Operational organizations.
• Expertise with interceptors, seeker technology, warheads, and communications.
• Missile Defense integration expertise with interceptors, seeker technology, warheads, and communications.