Defense Engineering Programs Operations Manager

Business Unit:

Cubic Defense

Company Details:

When you join Cubic, you become part of a company that creates and delivers technology solutions in transportation to make people’s lives easier by simplifying their daily journeys, and defense capabilities to help promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. Led by our talented teams around the world, Cubic is committed to solving global issues through innovation and service to our customers and partners.
We have a top-tier portfolio of businesses, including Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) and Cubic Defense (CD). Explore more on Cubic.com.Job Details:

Job Title: Defense Engineering Programs Operations Manager, USA
Location: Onsite - San Diego, CA, 9/80 work schedule

About Us: A Legacy of Innovation in Air Combat Training

Since inventing Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) in the early 1970s, Cubic Defense has led the industry as the global frontrunner in air combat training systems. Our advanced solutions support aircrews from the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, along with our Allied Partners worldwide, enabling them to prepare for missions more effectively and with reduced risk. Join us in our mission to push the boundaries of innovation and equip aircrews with the most advanced training systems for fourth and fifth-generation aircraft.

About the Role:

Are you a strategic, operations-driven leader ready to make an impact? We’re seeking a Defense Engineering Programs Operations Manager to join our team in San Diego, CA. As a key member of the leadership team, you’ll oversee daily business operations for our engineering programs. You’ll collaborate across teams, drive Lean initiatives, and play an instrumental role in aligning our operations with both short- and long-term goals.

This is an onsite role at our headquarters in San Diego, where you’ll be at the center of our team’s dynamic operations, helping shape the future of air combat training.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead Operational Excellence: Oversee and synchronize daily operations to ensure quality, efficiency, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Resource Coordination: Collaborate with project teams and allocate resources across scheduling, logistics, procurement, and more.
• Embed Lean Culture: Design and implement Lean practices within the business unit, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Cross-functional Partnership: Work closely with Engineering, Program Management, and adjacent teams to align resources and strategies.
• Performance Tracking: Use metrics and systems to monitor business performance, identify areas for improvement, and support data-driven decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with internal teams and external partners to advance our mission and support business goals.

What You’ll Bring:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Business, Operations, or a related field, and/or the combined equivalent of experience and education. 
• Experience: 8+ years in operations, program management, or financial management within a business unit.
• Active DoD Secret clearance is required. 
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • Proven experience in Lean practices, continuous improvement, and process optimization.
  • Strong operational and financial acumen with the ability to make strategic decisions.
  • Familiarity with government contracts, corporate processes, and financial operations.
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Preferred: Experience with international business management and Lean practices within program teams.

Why Join Us?

At our company, you’ll be part of a team committed to a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We offer growth opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to make a tangible impact on the future of air combat training systems.

Additional Requirements:

• Travel: Occasional travel may be required.

If you’re ready to bring your operational expertise and leadership skills to a fast-paced, innovative team, apply today and help us shape a Lean-driven future!

Cubic Pay Range:

$105,000 - $158,606 + benefits.

The Cubic pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Worker Type:

Employee