Job at a glance
Job Title: Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense Job Description This role oversees complex aerospace and defense programs from concept through delivery, ensuring projects meet technical, schedule, cost, and quality requirements. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, serve as the primary customer point of contact, and drive program performance in a dynamic environment where you can follow products from initial design through manufacturing and into everyday use.
Responsibilities Develop and manage detailed program plans, including schedules, budgets, resource allocations, and key milestones. Monitor program progress to ensure milestones are achieved on time and within budget, adjusting plans as needed. Act as the primary customer point of contact, working closely with engineering teams to understand and meet technical requirements. Define program scope and deliverables, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and contractual obligations.
Coordinate cross-functional teams that include engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, operations, and supply chain personnel. Identify program risks early, develop robust mitigation strategies, and track risk status throughout the program lifecycle. Implement corrective actions to address issues and keep programs on track with schedule, cost, and performance targets. Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, aerospace quality standards (such as AS9100), and relevant military specifications (MIL-STD).
Maintain detailed records of program activities, including technical decisions, schedule changes, and financial tracking such as earned value metrics. Support costing and quoting activities by providing accurate program cost estimates and schedule inputs. Prepare clear, concise updates and presentations for leadership and key stakeholders, highlighting status, risks, and required decisions. Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure smooth production flow and on-time delivery of composite and aerospace components.
Interface regularly with customers to manage expectations, address concerns, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. Use project management tools (such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, Jira, or equivalent) to plan, track, and report program status. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field. 1–5 years of experience in program management, project management, or engineering management, preferably within the aerospace industry.
Experience in engineering or technical program management, with the ability to understand and discuss technical requirements. Experience managing programs for both defense and commercial aerospace sectors preferred. Experience with costing, scheduling, and financial tracking, including earned value management. Strong customer interface skills, with the ability to serve as the primary point of contact and manage expectations.
Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, Jira, or equivalent. Experience with risk management, including identifying risks and developing effective mitigation strategies. Working knowledge of aerospace and defense standards such as AS9100 and MIL-STD. Strong Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and program financial tracking. Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in the aerospace, defense, or composite manufacturing industry. Understanding of composite manufacturing processes. Experience in operations environments supporting manufacturing and production programs. Familiarity with quoting processes and cost estimation for technical programs. Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with a small, highly interactive team.
Strong communication and presentation skills for reporting to leadership and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to implement corrective actions and drive continuous im