Location: Brea, CA
Department: Program Management
Schedule: Full-Time, On-Site
Pay Range: $80,000–$95,000 annually
Applied Composites (AC) is a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling solutions for the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We support our customers through advanced manufacturing capabilities, technical expertise, and a commitment to quality and operational excellence.
Job DescriptionThe Program Manager I supports the execution of established, lower-complexity customer programs within an aerospace composites manufacturing environment. Working under the guidance of experienced Program Managers, this position coordinates program activities, monitors schedules, communicates status, and helps resolve routine issues to support customer delivery commitments.
Job AccountabilitiesCoordinate assigned customer programs to support established schedules, deliverables, quality requirements, and customer commitments.
Monitor program milestones, production progress, and delivery schedules; identify delays or risks and escalate issues as appropriate.
Communicate routine program updates to customers and internal stakeholders, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain.
Maintain program documentation, status reports, action items, and basic cost or performance tracking records.
Assist in resolving routine program issues by coordinating with appropriate departments and escalating complex matters to senior Program Management.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience considered.
Years of Experience
0–2 years of experience in program coordination, project management, manufacturing operations, customer support, or a related field.
Aerospace, composites manufacturing, or other regulated manufacturing experience preferred.
Skills
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including professional customer interaction.
Basic analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to follow established procedures.
Ability to coordinate activities across departments and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Other Qualifications
Ability to interpret basic program schedules, customer requirements, and production status information.
Ability to complete routine assignments with guidance and recognize when escalation is required.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes, production planning, or ERP systems preferred.
Ability to work onsite in a manufacturing environment.
At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.
AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.
This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
Day Shift
Skills Required
- 0-2 years of experience in program coordination, project management, manufacturing operations, customer support, or a related field
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent education and relevant experience
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including professional customer interaction
- Basic analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to follow established procedures
- Ability to coordinate activities across departments and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Ability to interpret basic program schedules, customer requirements, and production status information
- Ability to complete routine assignments with guidance and recognize when escalation is required
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes, production planning, or ERP systems
- Ability to work onsite in a manufacturing environment
- U.S. person status under ITAR requirements, including U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, political asylum, or refugee status
Applied Composites Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Applied Composites and has not been reviewed or approved by Applied Composites.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and options like FSA/HSA, with disability coverage and an EAP also available. Wellness programs further contribute to overall health support.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes a vacation plan, wellness days, and 10 paid holidays each year. PTO accrual increases with tenure, expanding available leave over time.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with employer matching is offered. This provides structured support for long‑term savings.
Applied Composites Insights
What We Do
Applied Composites is a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space systems markets. Vertically integrated with six strategic locations, we have widespread capabilities to serve expanding industry needs in many high-growth aerospace and defense platforms. Specializing in complex composite assemblies for the aerospace industry, Applied Composites has a long history of providing customer satisfaction by focusing on continuous improvement processes that help reduce time and cost. Our aerospace composite manufacturing capabilities are among the best in the industry.
