Aviation Program Manager

XSTAR Aviation•Shreveport, LA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.