New Product Program Manager I

Job Summary

Cirrus Aircraft is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to lead complex new product development efforts across the entire Cirrus Aircraft organization. This strategic role will be responsible for driving execution excellence across multi-disciplinary teams, managing the full program lifecycle, and delivering innovative aviation solutions that meet or exceed customer and business expectations.

The Program Manager will oversee integrated scope, budget, schedule, bill of materials cost, weight, technical performance, and risk management across assigned program(s), ensuring alignment with program business plan targets, enterprise objectives and compliance with applicable regulatory and contractual requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills and be adept at leading in a matrixed organization

This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented leader with demonstrated experience in aerospace or defense development programs, and the ability to manage complex technical projects in a highly dynamic and regulated industry.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Lead cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) through all phases of the program lifecycle (proposal, design, development, integration, test, certification, production, and sustainment).
• Ensure program success by managing scope, budget, schedule, bill of materials cost, weight, risk, and quality in alignment with corporate objectives, customer requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Drive development and execution of integrated master plans and schedules (IMS), leveraging industry-standard tools and methodologies (e.g., Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), Critical Path Method, Work Breakdown Structure).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality executive-level briefings, program status reports, and performance reviews.
• Champion risk and opportunity management throughout the program lifecycle; implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Apply disciplined project management processes and continuous improvement techniques (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) to maximize efficiency and program outcomes.
• Develop, coach, and mentor team members; foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and high performance.
• Oversee program financials, including budgeting, forecasting, capitalization, and reporting.
• Participate as a stakeholder in continuous improvement of the New Product Introduction System (NPIS) processes and tools.
• Drive decision-making during program initiation and planning to optimize product architecture, technical trades, and resource allocation.
• Travel, up to 25% may be required to support program needs.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university, and 7 years of project management experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Masters degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams on complex technical programs.
• PMP certification preferred (required within 12 months)
• Deep understanding of program management principles, including EVMS, schedule risk analysis, and performance metrics (CPI/SPI).
• Proficiency in project scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera) and dashboard/reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Microsoft Power BI).
• Experience with financial modeling, cost estimating, and business case development.
• Strong supervisory skills and experience developing talent within matrixed teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Risk management expertise and strategic decision-making capabilities.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak the English language.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Conflict Management
• Resiliency & Adaptability
• Talent Development

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 120 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

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 position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.