Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense Systems

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead programs within the Aerospace & Defense sector. This role is designed as a near-term leadership position with the opportunity to expand into a broader senior leadership role (Director, Program Management & Planning) as the business and aerospace market portfolio grow.

The Program Manager will be responsible for end-to-end execution of development and/or production programs while operating within a Quality Management System preparing for AS9100 certification. This individual will ensure cost, schedule, technical, and contractual performance while supporting strategic growth initiatives in government and commercial aerospace & defense markets.

Key Responsibilities

·        Lead cross-functional execution of assigned programs from proposal through delivery.

·        Manage cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk across long development cycles.

·        Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and support Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting as required.

·        Ensure compliance with proposed AS9100 processes, configuration management, and documentation standards.

·        Interface directly with customers (e.g., DoD, NASA, primes, commercial space clients) and support program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.).

·        Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure mission assurance and delivery performance.

·        Support business development, proposal efforts, and strategic growth initiatives within the Space and Defense markets.

Baseline Requirements (Required for Consideration)

·        8 years of experience in Aerospace & Defense program management or technical project leadership.

·        Direct experience supporting space systems, defense projects, or related aerospace hardware.

·        Experience operating within an AS9100-certified environment or equivalent aerospace QMS.

·        Working knowledge of aerospace program lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, test, production).

·        Experience managing program budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams.

·        Strong understanding of government contracting environments (FAR/DFARS familiarity preferred).

·        Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, Business, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications (Positioning for Leadership Growth)

·        12 years of progressive responsibility in Aerospace & Defense, including leadership of multiple concurrent programs.

·        Demonstrated experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and cost performance management (CPI/SPI).

·        Experience supporting NASA, Space Force, DoD, or major aerospace prime contractors.

·        Familiarity with electrochemical products and systems (electrolyzers and fuel cells).

·        PMP or equivalent certification is a plus.

·        Experience contributing to capture strategy, proposal leadership, or market expansion initiatives.

·        Active or prior U.S. Security Clearance (if applicable).

Growth Path Opportunity

As the Aerospace & Defense portfolio expands, this role is expected to evolve into broader portfolio leadership responsibilities, including oversight of multiple programs, establishment of standardized PMO governance practices, and direct contribution to strategic planning. High performers will be positioned for advancement into a Director-level or higher role leading Program Management and Planning across the Aerospace & Defense market segments.

Success Metrics (First 12–24 Months)

·        On-time delivery of key technical milestones and contractual deliverables.

·        Positive cost and schedule performance (meeting or exceeding baseline targets).

·        Successful AS9100 audit outcomes with no major program-related nonconformities.

·        Strong customer performance evaluations and repeat business growth.

·        Demonstrated readiness to assume expanded portfolio leadership responsibilities.

Annual Salary: $130,000 to $150,000

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

Please note that authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.