Director of Programs

About the role

Head of Programs

Hera Technologies operates at the intersection of advanced engineering and precision manufacturing. We specialize in delivering high-accuracy metallic and non-metallic solutions for the Aerospace, Defense, and Space markets. Our focus on thermal support systems is defined by a culture of quality, innovation, and operational integrity. This role represents a significant opportunity to lead critical programs that safeguard vital structures and ensure mission success.

Position Summary

This is an on-site, full-time position based in California. The Head of Programs serves as the central operational leader, responsible for directing complex thermal protection systems and advanced aerospace hardware from strategic planning to successful delivery. You will translate high-level corporate objectives into actionable shop-floor workflows, acting as the primary escalation leader and a hands-on manager. Success in this role requires a rare blend of technical acumen, strategic portfolio management, and direct engagement with the manufacturing environment to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure data integrity. You will be instrumental in driving the transition of current R&D concepts into scalable, high-rate production realities while actively contributing to business growth through proposal leadership and technical analysis.

Core Responsibilities

You will establish and monitor macro-level key performance indicators that measure the health of the entire program portfolio. Architecting and managing the PMO-to-production workflow is central to your role, ensuring design files and engineering requirements are flawlessly translated into executable shop-floor steps. You will lead strategic resource planning and talent acquisition for both engineering and production teams, ensuring the right people are in place to meet aggressive timelines.

A key function is to partner directly with Supply Chain leadership to secure critical materials, mitigate manufacturing bottlenecks, and maintain ERP data accuracy. You will guarantee on-time delivery for mission-critical defense and space applications by coordinating detailed schedules and maintaining rigorous data discipline. This role requires active participation in proposal leadership and technical trade-off studies to support business development objectives and ensure competitive technical solutions.

You will maintain a visible presence across all levels of the organization, from the executive boardroom to the production floor. This presence enables you to step directly into the manufacturing environment, resolve systemic issues, and support quality teams in maintaining the highest standards. You will take full ownership of program risk management, overseeing the integrity of each project from the initial concept phase through final customer acceptance.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess over eight years of progressive leadership experience within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sectors. A deep understanding of high-intensity production environments and quality management systems is essential. You must demonstrate the ability to influence executive stakeholders, suppliers, and customers while maintaining strict ERP data accuracy and discipline. Strong relationship management skills are required to effectively partner with both suppliers and executive leadership.

Compensation and Benefits

This role offers a competitive annual compensation package ranging from $190,000 to $220,000. Hera Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Application Process

This is a full-time, on-site role located in California. To be considered, please follow the instructions on the official application page to submit your detailed qualifications and resume. Confirm all application procedures on the official page.

What you'll do

• Execute the strategic program management duties outlined for the
• Adhere strictly to the scope and guidelines detailed on the official application page for this role.
• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of thermal protection and aerospace hardware programs from initial concept through customer acceptance.
• Drive the translation of high-level corporate objectives into detailed, actionable workflows for the shop floor and production teams.
• Act as the primary escalation leader and hands-on manager to resolve complex operational issues swiftly.
• Establish and monitor macro-level key performance indicators to assess the overall health and trajectory of the program portfolio.
• Architect and manage the PMO-to-production workflow to ensure flawless translation of design files and engineering requirements into executable steps.
• Lead strategic resource planning and talent acquisition for engineering and production teams to meet aggressive project timelines.
• Partner directly with Supply Chain leadership to secure critical materials and mitigate manufacturing bottlenecks proactively.
• Maintain ERP data accuracy and discipline to guarantee on-time delivery for mission-critical defense and space applications.
• Coordinate detailed schedules and rigorous data management practices to ensure seamless execution and compliance.
• Participate actively in proposal leadership and technical trade-off studies to support business development and competitive solutions.
• Maintain a visible and engaged presence across the organization, from executive boardrooms to the production floor.
• Step directly into the manufacturing environment to resolve systemic issues and support quality teams in upholding the highest standards.
• Take full ownership of program risk management, overseeing project integrity from initial concept through final customer acceptance.

Requirements

• Possess over eight years of progressive leadership experience within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of high-intensity production environments and quality management systems.
• Show the ability to influence executive stakeholders, suppliers, and customers effectively.
• Maintain strict ERP data accuracy and discipline in all program management activities.
• Exhibit strong relationship management skills to partner successfully with suppliers and executive leadership.
• Commit to upholding the culture of quality, innovation, and operational integrity that defines Hera Technologies.
• Thrive in a role that requires a rare blend of technical acumen, strategic portfolio management, and direct shop-floor engagement.
• Align with the mission of delivering high-accuracy metallic and non-metallic solutions for Aerospace, Defense, and Space markets.

Nice to have

• Preferred items are not specified in the provided source documentation.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time, on-site position located in Irvine, California.
• Follow the instructions on the official application page to submit your detailed qualifications and resume.