Manager, Program Management - Development Programs

Manager, Program Management - Development Programs

Astronics AES is seeking an exceptional Manager, Program Management to lead our Airborne Power & Control (APC) Development Programs. This role combines technical expertise, people leadership, and program management to advance aerospace power generation, conversion, and distribution in a highly collaborative, innovative environment.

** Please, no agency solicitations/submittals. Only direct applicants will be considered **

** Candidates local to the greater Seattle/Kirkland, WA area are highly desired. **

Job Summary

The Manager, Development Programs (MDP) is responsible for positioning Astronics AES as a recognized leader in aircraft electrical power systems for small to mid-sized business jets, UAVs, and rotorcraft. This role leads a team of program managers, drives execution of complex development programs, and partners with senior leadership to shape the strategic direction of the Airborne Power business.

Key Responsibilities

Performance Management and Coaching

Lead, coach, and develop a team of development program managers. Set clear expectations, provide resources, solicit and act on feedback, and hold the team accountable for achieving business outcomes. Reinforce effective actions, eliminate non-value-added activity, and foster collaboration across the organization.

Growth and Mentorship

Build and develop talent within the Program Management organization. Encourage new ideas, give employees a voice, and recognize contributions. Communicate the company vision, share networks and best practices, and drive high levels of engagement. Support career growth through mentorship, training, and strategic work assignments.

Senior Leadership

Serve as a key leader in the Airborne Power business and on the Airborne Power & Control Program Management leadership team. Provide a strong cultural and leadership presence, contributing to business strategy and long-term direction for development programs.

Program Leadership

Lead complex product development programs from inception through production in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Use strong communication, problem-solving, technical decision-making, and disciplined project management to:

• Build collaborative relationships with technical teams
• Meet customer expectations and technical performance requirements
• Achieve schedule milestones, NRE budgets, and recurring cost targets

In addition to directly leading programs, oversee the performance of programs managed by direct reports. Success is measured through semi-annual major project performance reviews and monthly program reviews with senior management.

Customer Management and Contract Negotiation

Build and manage strong relationships with external customers to reduce risk and ensure program success. Lead or oversee communications, expectation-setting, and negotiation of contracts and engineering change requests, particularly around technical changes and scope creep, to prevent NRE overruns and schedule slips. Success is evaluated through semi-annual project performance reviews.

Cross-Functional Communication

Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with engineering, operations, senior leadership, and external customers. Provide clear direction, plans, decisions, status, and issue resolution using email, formal correspondence, PowerPoint presentations, and MS Project as appropriate. Success is demonstrated through clear, concise monthly program reviews for senior management and quarterly performance reviews for customers.

Quality and Continuous Improvement

Support and, when assigned, lead quality and continuous improvement initiatives within the development program management group. This includes process and procedure improvements, cost reduction efforts, and schedule efficiency enhancements. Work with the Director of Program Management to define key initiatives and deliver them on time and within budget.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline. MBA preferred.
• 8 years of Program Management / Project Engineering experience in aerospace engineering development projects.

Eligibility Requirements

• This role may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-controls laws or other applicable U.S.-government legal or contractual requirements. To assess whether any licenses, authorizations, or other exceptions are required, please indicate below whether you are a U.S. Person. If you are not a U.S. Person, the company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary. This information is collected solely for this compliance purpose.
• An offer of employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background screen and drug test, including cannabis screening.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $132,983 – $199,474 annually (Midpoint: $166,228).
• Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses also apply.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; optional critical illness and accident coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work–Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.