What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aerospace Program Manager position at Wichita Machine Products?
Aerospace Program Manager
Position Summary
The Aerospace Program Manager is responsible for managing OEM customer programs from contract award through production and delivery. As a Tier 1 supplier, this role serves as the primary interface between the company and aircraft OEM customers, ensuring program execution aligns with contractual requirements, engineering specifications, production schedules, and financial objectives.
The PM leads cross-functional coordination between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and procurement teams to deliver aerospace components and systems on schedule while maintaining compliance with industry standards such as AS9100 and OEM program requirements.
Key Responsibilities
OEM Customer Interface
- Serve as the primary point of contact for OEM customers (e.g., aircraft manufacturers and prime contractors).
- Manage day-to-day program communication regarding schedule, engineering changes, production status, and delivery performance.
- Support customer program reviews, milestone reviews, and executive briefings.
- Ensure alignment between customer expectations and internal execution plans.
Program Execution & Delivery
- Manage aerospace programs from development, qualification, and production through delivery.
- Ensure adherence to OEM program schedules, production ramp requirements, and delivery commitments.
- Monitor program milestones including design releases, first article inspection (FAI), qualification testing, and production readiness.
- Track program KPIs such as on-time delivery, quality performance, and cost targets.
Cross-Functional Program Leadership
- Lead coordination across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, quality, and operations teams.
- Facilitate program status meetings and action tracking across departments.
- Support resolution of technical, manufacturing, or supply chain challenges impacting program performance.
Engineering Change & Configuration Management
- Coordinate customer engineering changes, design updates, and configuration control.
- Ensure changes are evaluated for schedule, cost, and manufacturing impacts.
- Manage implementation of engineering change orders (ECOs) and customer-driven modifications.
Supply Chain & Production Coordination
- Monitor supplier performance to ensure material availability and production readiness.
- Work with procurement and supply chain teams to mitigate supplier risks, shortages, or delays.
- Support production ramp-up activities for new aircraft programs or rate increases.
Financial & Contract Management
- Track program financial performance including revenue, margin, and cost performance.
- Support contract negotiations, change orders, and scope adjustments with OEM customers.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and program profitability.
Risk & Issue Management
- Identify and manage program risks related to engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and delivery schedules.
- Develop mitigation strategies and escalate issues when necessary.
- Maintain program risk registers and recovery plans.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Experience
- 3-5 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, aviation, or defense programs
- Experience working with OEM aircraft manufacturers or prime defense contractors
- Background in production programs, aircraft structures, systems, or aerostructures preferred
- Experience in supplier or manufacturing environments
Skills
- Strong program and project management capabilities
- Experience managing OEM customer relationships
- Understanding of aerospace program lifecycle (development → qualification → production)
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and aerospace regulatory requirements
- Proficiency with ERP systems, scheduling tools, and program dashboards
- Global Shop ERP experience strongly preferred
Key Competencies
- Customer relationship management
- Cross-functional leadership
- Aerospace production program execution
- Risk mitigation and problem solving
- Contract and financial awareness
Typical Work Environment
- Aerospace manufacturing facility
- Frequent collaboration with internal engineering and operations teams
- Regular interaction with OEM program management and engineering teams
- Occasional travel to customer sites or supplier facilities
Pay: $28.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- aerospace: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $38