Program Manager, Propulsion Systems

Ideal Aerosmith•Grand Forks, ND

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Ideal Aerosmith is seeking an experienced Program Manager, Propulsion Systems to lead the development, production, integration, and sustainment of the company's propulsion portfolio. This includes the IA-62 family of internal combustion engines, future IA-XX propulsion systems, small form factor turbojet/turbofan engines, power generation systems, and related propulsion technologies supporting both commercial and Government customers. This position is responsible for overall cost, schedule, and technical performance across all propulsion programs and serves as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, operations, business development, and executive leadership. The successful candidate will drive propulsion system maturation from concept development through production while ensuring alignment with customer requirements, business objectives, and long-term technology roadmaps.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
8+ years of experience managing aerospace, propulsion, engine development, or advanced technology programs.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams.
Experience managing program cost, schedule, and technical performance.
Strong understanding of propulsion systems, aerospace development programs, and product lifecycle management.
Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Nice To Haves

Experience with internal combustion engine development programs.
Experience with turbine, turbojet, turbofan, or hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
Experience supporting DoD, aerospace, or unmanned systems programs.
Familiarity with flight testing, airworthiness processes, and system integration.
PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance across all propulsion system programs.
Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, budgets, and program execution plans.
Lead cross-functional teams supporting design, manufacturing, testing, certification, and production efforts.
Identify program risks and implement mitigation plans to maintain execution objectives.
Provide regular status reporting to executive leadership on program health, milestones, and resource requirements.
Support strategic planning and long-range propulsion technology roadmaps.
Oversee development and maturation of the IA-62 engine family and future IA-XX propulsion systems.
Lead propulsion integration efforts supporting unmanned aircraft systems and advanced aerospace platforms.
Coordinate engine development, testing, validation, qualification, and production readiness activities.
Support development of small form factor turbojet and turbofan propulsion technologies.
Coordinate propulsion-related ground testing, flight testing, and performance validation efforts.
Ensure propulsion systems meet customer, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Partner with manufacturing 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 improvements.
Drive recurring cost reduction and manufacturability initiatives across the propulsion portfolio.
Support transition of propulsion systems from development into low-rate and full-rate production.
Serve as primary customer interface for propulsion-related programs.
Support proposal development, technical volumes, ROMs, and customer briefings.
Assist business development activities involving propulsion technologies and future growth opportunities.
Coordinate with Government customers, commercial partners, and subcontractors as required.
Support technology demonstrations, flight tests, and customer evaluations.