Program Manager – Navy HEEWJ and Future Programs

About Aery Aviation, LLC

Aery Aviation, LLC is an aviation services organization whose focus is on the engineering, certification, and production associated with aircraft modifications. Our team has significant experience spanning everything from single engine ISR aircraft for government utilization to widebody VVIP interior completions. From design to delivery, Aery provides turnkey, bespoke solutions for our clientele.

Who We Are Looking For

Aery Aviation, LLC is seeking an experienced Program Manager (PM) to lead the Navy HEEWJ (High Endurance Electronic Warfare Jet) program under NAVAIR and to manage additional government and commercial aviation programs as awarded. The Program Manager will be directly responsible for all aspects of program execution — from contract award through delivery and sustainment — ensuring technical, schedule, and financial performance in alignment with Aery’s operational and quality standards.

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and serves as a primary interface between Aery, the U.S. Navy, subcontractors, and internal functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Flight Operations, Production, and Finance.

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with strong organizational, communication, and program management skills who thrives in a dynamic aerospace and defense environment.

What You Will Be Doing

Program Leadership & Execution

• Serve as the primary program lead for the Navy HEEWJ contract and future aviation programs.
• Manage all aspects of program performance, including cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
• Oversee daily program operations, ensuring alignment with NAVAIR and Aery contract requirements.
• Maintain close coordination with Engineering, Production, and Quality to ensure timely execution of modification and mission readiness milestones.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and AS9100D standards in all program activities.

Financial & Contract Oversight

• Manage program P&L performance and financial reporting in coordination with Accounting and the COO.
• Track budgets, revenue forecasts, labor utilization, and earned value performance.
• Identify and mitigate cost and schedule risks; implement recovery plans where necessary.
• Support contract change management (CCOs, REAs, and modifications) to protect program margin and scope integrity.

Stakeholder Communication

• Act as the primary point of contact for government contracting officers, NAVAIR program representatives, and commercial clients.
• Conduct recurring program reviews, status briefings, and milestone meetings.
• Maintain effective communication channels across internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Business Development & Growth

• Support proposal development, cost estimating, and technical volume inputs for new opportunities.
• Provide input on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), project schedules, and staffing plans during pursuit phases.
• Contribute to capture strategies and program transitions for new awards.

Program Management Tools & Reporting

• Maintain program data in Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint for collaboration and visibility.
• Generate weekly and monthly progress reports detailing key performance indicators (KPIs), risks, and mitigation actions.
• Maintain Revolving Action Item Logs (RAILs) and ensure all program documentation is complete and properly archived.

Leadership & Culture

• Model Aery’s safety-first and compliance-driven culture; ensure all directives uphold the company’s safety and ethical standards.
• Lead by example in promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across teams.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to emerging project managers and coordinators.

The Must-Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of program management experience in aerospace or defense.
• Proven success managing complex aviation or modification programs, ideally exceeding $50M in scope.
• Experience working with NAVAIR or other U.S. Department of Defense agencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Strong analytical, financial management, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with PMI PMP principles (PMP certification preferred or attainable within 12 months).
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Naval Aviation or Electronic Warfare (EW/SIGINT/ELINT) program experience.
• Direct experience supporting or managing aircraft modification programs.
• Working knowledge of FAA, AS9100D, and FAR/DFARS compliance requirements.
• Background in cost-plus and firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract execution.

Additional Requirements

• Up to 25% travel (domestic and international).
• Participation in Aery’s Drug-Free Workplace Program.
• Completion of annual PM, quality, and FAA Part 145 training as required.

Performance Metrics

• On-time, on-budget delivery of program milestones.
• Customer satisfaction and quality performance ratings.
• Achievement of contract and safety compliance metrics.
• Program P&L and margin performance against forecast.

If this opportunity excites you, come join our team!
For Aery Aviation, the question isn’t: “Can we?” When others are limited in the common approach, Aery Aviation jumps into higher gear asking, “How can we do this?” and then proceeds into problem-solving for customers. This is what customers appreciate most about Aery Aviation - avid tenacity. It’s not cookie cutter production that Aery Aviation is cultivating; it is projects that inspire the Aery Aviation work-family to come together and brainstorm, excited to come to work every day because there is always something inventive and interesting to work on.

Our Benefits
We offer the right candidate the chance to join a forward-thinking organization, supported by a competitive compensation and benefits package. Learn more about Aery Aviation, LLC at www.aeryaviation.com.  

Aery Aviation, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Aery Aviation, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.