Position: Program Manager

Position Type: Direct Hire

Location: Palmdale, CA

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing I Automation

Environment: Manufacturing facility supporting aircraft assembly tooling and automated equipment

Pay: $110,000 to $150,000

Shift: Monday - Friday

Benefits: Full Benefits Package and PTO (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, etc.)

Position Summary:

• The Program Manager leads and coordinates programs involving specialized manufacturing equipment and tooling within a advanced aircraft production environment. Serving as the primary point of contact for internal cross‑functional teams and customer stakeholders, this role ensures projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and aligned with customer requirements.
• This position requires a hands-on leader capable of managing technically complex programs while fostering strong working relationships across engineering, operations, and customer teams. The ideal candidate balances strategic planning with daily execution, driving accountability, clear communication, and successful program outcomes.

Position Responsibilities:

Operations

• Lead project coordination efforts for tooling and production support equipment within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact throughout critical phases of project execution.
• Track project schedules, milestones, and deliverables while partnering with cross-functional teams to proactively resolve issues or delays.
• Collaborate closely with engineering leadership to ensure designs and deliverables meet project requirements and technical specifications.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Review engineering documentation and drawings to support manufacturing and assembly strategies.
• Translate technical concepts and project status updates for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Facilitate regular project review meetings to monitor progress and identify potential risks.
• Identify opportunities to enhance processes and improve project workflows based on operational feedback.
• Remain flexible and responsive as priorities shift or new project requirements emerge.

Proposal and Project Development Support

• Support business development and estimating teams by assisting with proposal follow-ups and responding to customer inquiries.
• Partner with internal teams and customers during early project planning to develop integrated system concepts.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of technical proposals for complex manufacturing systems.
• Ensure proposed solutions align with customer objectives, technical requirements, and overall project goals.

Customer and Service Support

• Advise on equipment service needs such as upgrades, repairs, spare components, and technical assistance.
• Capture and relay customer feedback to support ongoing improvement initiatives.
• Maintain consistent, responsive support throughout the system lifecycle.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Significant experience in manufacturing environments involving complex equipment, tooling, or automated systems.
• Demonstrated success leading technical projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background managing programs involving engineering, production, and operational stakeholders.
• Experience supporting build-to-specification manufacturing environments including machining or assembly processes.
• Familiarity with enterprise planning systems and project tracking tools.
• Proficiency with standard business software such as Word, Excel, and presentation tools.
• Experience with major engineering design platforms or 3D CAD systems.
• Understanding of quality standards and structured manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly.
• Ability to anticipate customer needs and maintain strong long-term relationships.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for security clearance in accordance with U.S. government regulations.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites as needed to support project activities.

About Spark Talent Acquisition:

Spark Talent Acquisition is a Michigan-headquartered recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that building the right team is vital to success. Listening to our clients and creating customized workforce strategies is at the core of what we do. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to help people grow.