Customer Program Manager (2025-095)

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Customer Program Manager or Senior Customer Program Manager on our Cabin Electronics / Cabin Power Products Group to lead and support production programs with our global airline customer base.

This is an on-site hybrid position based in Kirkland, WA. The role offers flexibility to work from home part-time, with 2-3 days in the office per week, dependent on project needs.

If you're passionate about making an impact and driving innovation with a forward-thinking company that stays at the forefront of the latest technologies in the aircraft industry—and has been recognized as one of Washington's Best Places to Work for 16 consecutive years—please read on!

The Cabin Electronics Product Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of in-seat power systems for the commercial airline industry. The group’s EmPower® product line provides a variety of scalable power solutions for aircraft passenger cabins and flight decks. The system is used by over 280 airlines, In-flight Entertainment (IFE) suppliers, and all major aircraft OEM manufacturers worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY

Lead and support production programs for our global airline customers, in collaboration with one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with airline customers, providing support post-delivery, and making business decisions that benefit both Astronics and our clients.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Management: Act as the primary point of contact for assigned projects, manage customer expectations, negotiate pricing and delivery, handle customer feedback, and maintain business relationships to secure follow-on business.

• Contract Management: Understand contractual obligations, communicate requirements, monitor project performance, negotiate contract changes, and draft/endorse production or strategic agreements.
• Cost/Budget Controls: Monitor project budgets, develop financial status reports, create budgets for large projects, manage financial issues with customers, and process program changes.
• Schedule Control: Track project performance against schedules, guide internal teams, maintain action lists, create schedules, manage project timelines, and coordinate with customers to avoid schedule risks.
• Technical Competence: Gather and distribute technical data, make proactive decisions to mitigate risks, and balance technical and business considerations for optimal solutions.
• Team Leadership: Coordinate cross-functional teams, maintain project plans, communicate status updates, provide leadership, obtain necessary resources, and mentor junior team members.
• New Business: Support proposal efforts for large projects, assist in new business opportunities, and lead proposals for high-risk/high-reward programs.
• Program Scope: Manage very large production projects or complex programs, oversee multiple projects concurrently, and impact the profitability of the Cabin organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business or Engineering.
• 5 years of experience in project/program management, operations, contracts, or related fields (10 years desired).
• 4 years of multi-discipline team leadership experience (5 years desired).
• Experience in the aerospace industry is highly desired.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Experience:

Demonstrates competency (typically five (5) to seven (7) years of direct experience) with the above duties and responsibilities for consideration as Customer Program Manager.

Demonstrates proficiency (typically eight (8) or more years of direct experience) with the above duties and responsibilities for consideration as Senior Customer Program Manager.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• As a US Department of Defense Contractor, Astronics is bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Must be a US Person under ITAR to be eligible.
• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment background screen and drug test including cannabis screening.

Base Salary Range for Customer Program Manager is $86,430 - $129,645 per year.

Base Salary Range Senior Customer Program Manager is $111,929 - $167,893 per year.

Several job-related and non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to experience in comparable roles, skill sets, training, education, licensure or certifications, other qualifications, market conditions and business needs influence actual salary offered.

Astronics AES offers a competitive benefits package including:

Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity

Save for the Future – 401K & Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Find Balance – Work/life balance culture, Employee Assistance Program, Hybrid work arrangement

Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off, starting at 120 hours, plus 12 Paid Holidays