Deputy Program Manager

The Deputy Program Manager leads and supports complex aerospace programs, serving as a primary customer-facing representative while driving successful execution from prototype through low‑rate and full‑rate production. This role manages scope, cost, and schedule across multiple projects within a program, ensures strong financial and schedule discipline, and partners closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality results on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead aerospace programs as a primary customer-facing program representative.
• Manage program scope, cost, and schedule across multiple projects within a single program.
• Drive successful transition of programs from prototype into low‑rate and full‑rate production.
• Coordinate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure aligned execution.
• Identify program risks early and lead the development and implementation of mitigation strategies.
• Track program performance related to cost, schedule, and earned value (EV light) to maintain control and transparency.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date program schedules, forecasts, and budgets.
• Partner closely with Finance to ensure financial alignment, reporting accuracy, and robust cost controls.
• Establish strong cost and schedule discipline within the first 90 days of program oversight.
• Interface directly with external customers and internal stakeholders, providing clear and confident communication.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain roles, including Manager, Planner, and Buyer, to support material and resource needs.
• Support supplier and subcontractor coordination and performance management where applicable.
• Maintain professional, confident, and consistent customer-facing communication at all organizational levels.
• Leverage ERP systems and Microsoft tools to monitor program metrics, generate reports, and support decision‑making.
• Support environments that may not have a dedicated Project Engineer by coordinating technical and programmatic needs.
• Contribute to program controls activities, including cost and schedule analysis, to support effective program governance.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Program Management or Project Management.
• At least 1 year of experience specifically in a Program Manager capacity.
• Aerospace experience preferred; defense industry experience acceptable.
• Strong understanding of program cost, schedule, and financial controls.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including heavy day‑to‑day use for analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency with MS Project for scheduling and project planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for communication and documentation.
• Experience working within ERP systems to support program execution and reporting.
• Strong ability to work cross‑functionally with Finance and Engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, scheduling, and program management in a technical environment.
• Ability to interface effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• U.S. Citizenship with eligibility for Secret Clearance.

• Experience working for large aerospace prime contractors.
• ERP transition experience, including supporting system changes and process improvements.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks and Product Data Management (PDM) environments for bill of materials (BOM) visibility.
• Background in Program Controls or Cost/Schedule analysis.
• Experience supporting prime contracts and managing suppliers and subcontractors.
• Exposure to environments without a dedicated Project Engineer and ability to help bridge technical and programmatic needs.
• PMP certification or similar project/program management certification.
• Experience in manufacturing and defense industry environments.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks Enterprise PDM or similar tools used for configuration and document management.

The role operates in a dynamic aerospace and defense program environment that spans prototype, low‑rate, and full‑rate production phases. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and other functional teams, often coordinating across multiple projects and stakeholders. The position relies heavily on digital tools, including Microsoft Excel, MS Project, MS Office, ERP systems, and design/PDM environments such as SolidWorks and related PDM tools for BOM visibility and configuration control. The work involves regular interaction with external customers, suppliers, and subcontractors, requiring professional communication and a confident presence in meetings and reviews. The environment emphasizes strong cost and schedule discipline, structured program controls, and clear reporting, with a focus on delivering high‑quality aerospace and defense solutions on time and within budget.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Health Insurance: Multiple PPO, HMO and Kaiser Permanente plans. Employer covers 90% for employee &50% for dependents.- Delta Premier Platinum Dental PPO &VSP Vision Plan- Short Term and Long Term Disability: Covered 100% by employeer.- Term Life Plan: Covered 100% by employeer.- Worker’s Compensation: Covered 100% by employeer.- 401k: Company-sponsored safe harbor 401k plan with employer contribution of up to 4% of each eligibleemployee’s annual salary.- Unlimited PTO: In accordance with Employee Handbook.- 13 Paid Holidays- Sick Time: 70 hours paid sick leave in accordance with CA law.- Flexible Leave Policies: In accordance with CA law.- Flexible Workday Schedule: Upon necessity and approval from supervisor.- FasTrak Reimbursement: Along the 15 fwy.- Employee Referral Program- Training Program: Internal, External, and Mentorship.- Bonus Policy: Eligibility for annual, incentive, and spot bonuses.- Casual Workplace Dress Code*Please refer to GALT Employee Handbook

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.