Program Manager, Advanced Aerospace Systems

Ideal Aerosmith• MD, US, MD

2d•$100,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ideal Aerosmith is seeking an experienced Program Manager, Advanced Aerospace Systems to lead the execution of advanced aerospace, unmanned systems, autonomy, production, flight test, and defense technology programs supporting both commercial and Government customers. This position is responsible for overall cost, schedule, and technical performance across assigned programs and serves as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, operations, business development, customers, and executive leadership. Program assignments may include advanced development efforts, production programs, strategic technology initiatives, flight test campaigns, autonomy programs, unmanned aircraft systems, and other special projects critical to company growth. The successful candidate will drive program execution from concept development through production and fielding while ensuring alignment with customer requirements, business objectives, and long-term technology roadmaps.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related discipline.
8+ years of experience managing aerospace, defense, unmanned systems, advanced technology, manufacturing, engineering development, or related programs.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and operational teams.
Experience managing program cost, schedule, and technical performance.
Strong understanding of aerospace development programs and product lifecycle management.
Strong understanding of Government contracting environments and customer engagement.
U.S. Citizen required due to ITAR-controlled work.
Strong leadership and program management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent programs and priorities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive execution.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.
Strong organizational and customer engagement skills.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting DoD, NAVAIR, ONR, Army, Air Force, SOCOM, or other Government aerospace programs.
Experience supporting unmanned aircraft systems, autonomy programs, aerospace platforms, propulsion systems, or advanced manufacturing efforts.
Experience supporting flight testing, airworthiness processes, and operational demonstrations.
Experience transitioning products from development into production.
Active Secret Security Clearance preferred.
PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance across assigned aerospace and defense programs.
Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, budgets, resource plans, and program execution strategies.
Lead cross-functional teams supporting engineering, manufacturing, integration, testing, flight operations, logistics, and sustainment activities.
Identify program risks and develop mitigation plans to maintain execution objectives.
Monitor program performance metrics and ensure successful achievement of technical, schedule, and financial milestones.
Provide recurring status reporting to executive leadership on program health, risks, opportunities, and resource requirements.
Support strategic planning and long-range business growth initiatives.
Lead development, integration, production, and sustainment activities supporting advanced aerospace systems and unmanned aircraft platforms.
Coordinate engineering development, testing, validation, qualification, and production readiness efforts.
Support integration of autonomy, communications, propulsion, payload, mission systems, and supporting technologies.
Coordinate ground testing, flight testing, customer demonstrations, and operational evaluations.
Support airworthiness, safety, certification, and system qualification activities as required.
Ensure program execution remains aligned with customer requirements and operational objectives.
Partner with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to support production planning and scaling activities.
Coordinate vendor management, supplier performance, and long-lead procurement efforts.
Support configuration management, quality assurance, and production process improvement initiatives.
Drive recurring cost reduction and manufacturability improvements across assigned programs.
Support transition of systems from development into low-rate and full-rate production.
Assist with production forecasting, capacity planning, and operational execution activities.
Serve as primary customer interface for assigned programs.
Lead program reviews, technical interchange meetings, integrated product team meetings, and customer briefings.
Support proposal development, basis of estimates, rough-order-of-magnitude estimates, and capture activities.
Assist business development efforts involving future growth opportunities and strategic pursuits.
Coordinate with Government customers, commercial partners, subcontractors, and suppliers as required.
Support customer demonstrations, flight tests, operational evaluations, and industry events.
Manage program budgets, forecasts, revenue plans, and resource requirements.
Support program financial reviews and earned value-style performance tracking where applicable.
Monitor contract performance and ensure execution remains aligned with customer funding profiles.
Assist leadership in identifying growth opportunities and portfolio expansion initiatives.
Support development of annual operating plans and strategic business objectives.