Aviation Program Manager

About XSTAR

Xstar Aviation, Inc. supports complex aviation and training programs for government customers through contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) models. Our work integrates commercial aircraft platforms, aviation operations, maintenance, training, digital courseware, and site activation to deliver operational capability at speed.

We operate at the intersection of commercial aviation practices and government acquisition and operations, requiring disciplined execution, strong subcontract management, and deep aviation domain knowledge.

Position Summary

The Program Manager - Aviation (XSTAR) is responsible for end-to-end execution of XSTAR aviation programs, with full accountability for cost, schedule, performance, and risk. This role serves as the integrator between commercial aviation partners (OEMs, MROs, vendors), internal operational teams, and government stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience managing commercial aircraft programs-including warranties, spares, and subcontractors-combined with experience operating inside government program environments, preferably within a COCO construct.

This role is not advisory. It is an execution-focused leadership position.

Key Responsibilities

Aviation Program Leadership

Serve as the overall Program Manager for XSTAR aviation programs operating under a COCO model.

Translate government requirements into executable aviation, training, and sustainment plans.

Establish and maintain program governance, execution rhythm, and decision frameworks.

Commercial AviationSubcontract Management

Manage relationships with commercial OEMs, MROs, and aviation subcontractors. Oversee:

• o Aircraft warranties and warranty claims
• o Spare parts provisioning and lifecycle planning
• o Maintenance programs and vendor performance
• o Subcontractor deliverables, schedules, and cost controls

Ensure subcontract alignment with prime contract requirements and operational timelines. Program AuthorityAccountability

Own the approved program baseline for cost, schedule, and performance.

Manage program budgets in the tens of millions of dollars, including labor, ODCs, and subcontractor spend, in coordination with executive leadership.

Authorized to manage and adjust subcontractor scope, priorities, and execution sequencing within the bounds of the prime contract and approved budget.

Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), including authority to re-plan and re-baseline schedules as execution realities evolve, with executive concurrence.

Elevate and recommend stop-work, scope change, or contract modification actions when subcontractor or vendor performance threatens program outcomes.

Serve as the single accountable owner for program risks, cost growth, and schedule variance, with direct access to executive leadership for decision and escalation.

Government Program Execution

Act as primary interface with government program offices and operational stakeholders.

Support program reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and executive briefs.

Ensure alignment with government expectations for cost control, transparency, and performance.

Cost, ScheduleRisk Management

Develop and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).

Track labor, ODCs, aviation operating costs, and subcontractor spend.

Identify and mitigate program risks related to aircraft availability, sustainment, training delivery, and site activation.

Support EVM-like tracking and reporting where applicable. Cross-Functional Integration

Coordinate execution across:

• o Flight operations and maintenance
• o Training development (CBTs, simulators, videos)
• o IT systems and hosting environments
• o Site activation and basing support

Ensure aviation operations and training pipelines remain synchronized.

ComplianceProgram Discipline

Ensure adherence to contractual requirements and applicable FAR/DFARS expectations.

Support CUI handling, data rights considerations, and audit readiness.

Maintain disciplined program documentation and records.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related field.

10 years of aviation program management experience, including:

• o Commercial aviation programs (OEMs, MROs, spares, warranties)
• o Government aviation or defense programs

Demonstrated experience managing subcontractors and commercial aviation vendors.

Strong understanding of aircraft sustainment, maintenance, and lifecycle considerations.

Experience managing cost, schedule, and performance across multiple workstreams.

Ability to engage credibly with senior government and industry stakeholders.

Willingness and ability to travel to operational sites.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience with COCO (Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated) aviation models.

Prior service or senior civilian experience within DoD or other federal aviation organizations.

PMP, DAWIA, or equivalent acquisition/program management certification.

Familiarity with:

• o Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS)
• o Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts
• o Aviation maintenance programs and logistics planning

Experience supporting aviation training programs, simulators, or aircrew qualification pipelines.

Why This Role Matters

You will lead a real aviation program, not a paper exercise.

You will operate at the intersection of commercial aviation discipline and government execution.

You will shape how XSTAR executes COCO aviation programs at scale.

You will work directly with senior leaders, operators, and government customers.

Travel

This position will require occasional travel to X-Star sites.

XSTAR Aviation is an equal opportunity employer committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state or local laws.