Materials & Process, Program Support Manager at Castelion · Torrance

Why Castelion, Why Now

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus, ownership, and excellence are decisive advantages - and we're building a world-class team to turn bold ideas into real capability.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where you'll have significant ownership, collaborate with exceptional teammates, and make a direct, measurable impact on our mission and the future of the company - regardless of your function.

Materials & Process, Program Support Manager

Castelion is seeking an M&P Program Support Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of all materials and processes (M&P) qualification testing for a hypersonic vehicle program. This individual will be responsible for managing the M&P team, ensuring full ownership of qualification strategy, test execution, and certification readiness for government customers.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong program leadership, deep familiarity with aerospace qualification frameworks, and the ability to integrate cross-functional efforts across engineering, manufacturing, test, and program management. This role requires both technical fluency in materials engineering and the ability to drive complex qualification campaigns to schedule, cost, and performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the M&P program support team – manage personnel, priorities, and performance to ensure successful execution of all qualification scope.
• Own end-to-end qualification strategy – define test plans, requirements, and certification pathways for all materials and processes used in the vehicle.
• Drive execution of qualification testing – oversee internal and external test campaigns, ensuring data quality, traceability, and compliance with applicable standards.
• Serve as primary interface to program leadership and government stakeholders on all M&P qualification matters.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with vehicle engineering, manufacturing, flight sciences, and quality teams to ensure materials and processes meet performance and producibility requirements.
• Manage risk and schedule – identify qualification risks early and implement mitigation strategies to maintain program timelines.
• Ensure documentation and compliance – deliver complete qualification reports, material allowables, and certification packages in accordance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support continuous improvement – refine qualification methodologies, test efficiencies, and data management systems to improve speed and reliability of future programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science/engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering, qualification testing, or program management.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 6+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering, qualification testing, or program management.
• Demonstrated experience leading qualification or certification efforts for aerospace or defense programs.
• Strong understanding of material systems, processing methods, and structure-property relationships relevant to high-performance environments.
• Experience with qualification standards (e.g., MIL, NASA, ASTM) and test program execution.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex technical programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience interfacing with government customers.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and comply with ITAR eligibility requirements.

Castelion offers a generous benefits package. Please refer to the bottom of our Careers page for more details.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

This position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information, as determined by the Company and/or applicable U.S. Government requirements. If the position is so designated, your employment in the role may be contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. Government security clearance or other government authorization, and to satisfy any citizenship or other eligibility requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, executive order, or government contract requirements. You will be notified if and when such requirements apply.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Castelion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Castelion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact hr@castelion.com. Requests for accommodation will be considered on an individual basis and handled in accordance with applicable law.

Castelion is committed to fostering a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

EAR/ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.