Program Manager I

Position Summary

MARKETING STATEMENT

The Defense Systems Division is part of the Parker Aerospace Group, located in Irvine, California. Our products are used across military and commercial platforms globally. We specialize in cutting edge thermal management systems and components including fans, pumps and compressors, ammunition handling systems, weapon scoring systems, dynamic pressure sensors, piezoelectric accelerometers, towed targets, reeling machines, and associated telemetry.

For over fifty years, we have been a leader in defense products, contributing to the operational success of some of the most advanced military platforms worldwide.

As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: 'Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow.' Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both professional and personal development. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, your contributions will be pivotal in developing innovative technologies and products, significantly contributing to Parker's goal of addressing the world's most pressing engineering challenges. At Parker, our team members belong, matter and make a difference.

JOB SUMMARY

Represents the company in the planning, execution, reporting and management of Programs. Provides direction and management to specific development and production contracts and supporting internal company efforts. Manages and directs all phases of a program from inception to completion. Coordinates proposal preparation, supports negotiation, program start-up and establishes and monitors the program plan (e.g., budgets, schedules and status reporting). Required to continually assess program progress and support requirements and then plan and direct appropriate engineering, contracts, operations and support activities. Customer conduit and seamless interface between external and internal customers for management and reporting of programs progress, program changes and improvements.

Responsible for simultaneous management of multiple interdependent programs, tasks and interface with multiple customers (internal and external). Directs the integration and efforts of the program team, which may include: Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Contracts, and other Administrative areas.

Translates program budget allocations for functional organizational support and coordinates activities of various internal departments to ensure company satisfaction. Participates in Strategic Planning and development of projects, recommends budget and establishes Program related IRAD and B&P priorities for engineering studies based on customer feedback, emerging technologies and future program-driven requirements. Leads preparation and presentation of customer and program (internal and external) status reviews. Develops periodic status data and presents to management and customers as required.

Translates customer requirements and responds to customer inquiries to insure prompt handling, monitoring progress of work performed under the program including preparing periodic reports and estimates of completion dates and prompt handling of customer problems. Responsible for the preparation and staffing of sales proposals. A security clearance may be required.

SUPERVISES

No direct supervision, but responsible for managing and administering the work of others on a matrix-management basis. Responsible for providing functional managers with input regarding performance of matrix-personnel on programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the management and administration of assigned MDSI Programs. May also be required to lead and support program development and capture including proposal development negotiations, monitoring cost and schedule status and preparation of Estimates to Complete, taking action to timely report and correct problem areas when identified.

• Own program execution and compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and internal Program Management processes, ensuring alignment with company and customer requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and actively manage integrated program plans (cost, schedule, and scope), ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to financial targets.
• Drive accountability for program financial performance, including P&L ownership, budget management, cost control, and margin improvement.
• Review and interpret customer contracts to ensure alignment with program execution, identify risks, and ensure full compliance with contractual obligations.
• Ensure customer objectives and internal performance goals are achieved while minimizing risk exposure to the company.
• Provide clear, data-driven updates to leadership on program status, including schedule performance, financial health, risks, and recovery plans.
• Lead cross-functional coordination across engineering, operations, supply chain, planning, and purchasing to align scope, material availability, and production schedules to meet delivery commitments.
• Partner closely with planning and purchasing teams to proactively manage material flow, resolve shortages, and support efficient execution of production programs.
• Proactively identify program risks and opportunities, quantify impacts, and lead the development and execution of mitigation and recovery plans.
• Serve as the primary interface with customers, suppliers, and external partners, building strong relationships and ensuring alignment on expectations and deliverables.
• Maintain end-to-end ownership of programs, anticipating issues early, driving timely resolution, and ensuring successful execution across both NRE and production phases.
• Lead internal communication across product line teams, functional organizations, and leadership to ensure alignment, transparency, and execution focus.
• Support and lead RFP responses and proposal efforts, including scope definition, cost estimation, schedule development, risk assessment, and pricing strategy to secure profitable business.
• Ensure accurate and disciplined program documentation, maintaining program files as a reliable source of truth for all program activities.
• Drive prioritization and resolution of competing resource demands, balancing customer commitments with internal capacity constraints.
• Continuously improve program management processes, tools, and best practices to enhance execution rigor, efficiency, and scalability across the organization.
• Works with MDSI customers to ensure proper compliance with all Program, Contract and MDSI Program Management Processes.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

MUST BE A US CITIZEN

MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A DoD SECURITY CLEARANCE

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.S./B.S.c/B.Eng) from four-year college or university or equivalent, and a minimum of seven (7) years related experience.

Engineering background is preferred with an M.S. or MBA a plus. Experience should include managing contracts with DoD and major prime contractors. Proposal preparation and FAR knowledge and experience desired. Professional certificate a plus. Associate will be required to obtain Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute within 6 months of date of hire.

Requires working knowledge of military/aerospace industry standards. Experience preparing Status Reports, proposals desired, as well as contract management and export administration experience.

Pay, Benefits, Work Schedule

Competitive Compensation

• Pay Range: $120500 to $210950 annually
• Participation in Annual Incentive Program

Benefit & Retirement Plans

Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
• Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.

("Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor")

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission