Sr Principal Program Manager - Aerospace and Defense

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a global leader in optics and laser solutions. Our Richmond, California facility specializes in the manufacture of precision optical components and assemblies. This site combines advanced engineering, mechatronics, and high‑precision manufacturing to support cutting‑edge technology across multiple industries.

Job Title

Sr. Principal Program Manager - Aerospace and Defense

Job Details

Attalon delivers engineered optical, opto‑mechanical, and precision subsystem solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial customers.

The Sr. Principal Program Manager is an individual contributor who leads complex programs from contract award through engineering, manufacturing, qualification, and delivery. This role owns full lifecycle execution of technically sophisticated hardware and subsystems, ensuring scope, schedule, cost, risk, and customer satisfaction objectives are met.

The PM serves as the central integration point across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and business development. Success requires strong technical fluency, disciplined program execution, proactive risk management, and clear communication with demanding defense and commercial customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead program execution from sales handoff through delivery.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for technical and schedule updates.
• Maintain integrated schedules, execution plans, and cross‑functional alignment.
• Own program financials: revenue, cost, margin, forecasting, and corrective actions.
• Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, supply chain, and financial risks.
• Drive cross‑functional performance in a matrixed environment.
• Manage scope and contract changes.
• Deliver required program documentation and reporting.
• Resolve technical and quality issues with internal teams and customers.
• Support proposals, vendor evaluations, feasibility reviews, and follow‑on opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, regulatory, and export‑control requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Science, or related technical discipline.
• 12+ years of program/project management in aerospace, defense, optics, or complex hardware (or 10+ with advanced degree).
• Experience leading technically complex hardware or opto‑mechanical programs.
• Direct experience with aerospace, commercial, or government customers.
• Proven cross‑functional leadership in a matrixed environment.
• Due to program requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Business.
• Experience with aerospace prime or commercial programs.
• Background in optics, optical systems, or precision subsystem manufacturing.
• Familiarity with risk management frameworks and readiness reviews.
• Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 environments.
• Proficiency with tools such as Wrike.
• Strong executive‑level presentation skills.

For California, the base salary pay range for this role is $178,334 - $245,209 per year.
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.