Program Manager

Aery Aviation•Newport News, VA

23d

About The Position

Aery Aviation, LLC is seeking an experienced Program Manager (PM) to lead a major contract as the Prime contractor interface and to manage additional government and commercial aviation programs as awarded. The Program Manager will own overall program execution—from award through delivery and sustainment—driving technical excellence, schedule reliability, and financial performance in alignment with Aery’s operational standards, quality requirements, and safety culture. This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and serves as a primary partner to the Prime Contractor and internal teams including Engineering, Quality, Flight Operations, Production, and Finance. Ideal candidates are proactive, structured leaders who communicate clearly, manage risk early, and thrive in a fast-moving aerospace/defense environment—while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years of program management experience in aerospace or defense.
Demonstrated success leading complex aviation/mission or modification programs, ideally $50M+ scope.
Experience supporting government contracting and/or DoD agencies.
Experience in government ISR Operations
Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint.
Strong skills in analysis, financial management, and executive-level communication.
Knowledge of PMI PMP principles (PMP preferred; attainable within 12 months).
Ability to travel up to 25% (domestic and international).
Participation in Aery’s Drug-Free Workplace Program.
Completion of annual PM, quality, and FAA Part 145 training as required.
Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Nice To Haves

Prior experience managing government contracts.
Direct experience supporting and/or leading aircraft modification programs.
Working knowledge of FAA, AS9100D, and FAR/DFARS compliance.
Background executing Cost-Plus and Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract types.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary program lead for the contract and future aviation programs.
Own program performance across cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
Lead daily program execution to ensure alignment with Prime contract requirements and Aery standards.
Coordinate closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality to deliver modification and mission readiness milestones on schedule.
Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and AS9100D across program activities and deliverables.
Manage P&L performance and program financial reporting in coordination with Accounting and the COO.
Track budgets, revenue forecasts, labor utilization, and earned value.
Identify, forecast, and mitigate cost/schedule risks; implement recovery actions when needed.
Lead contract change management (CCOs, REAs, and modifications) to protect margin and scope integrity.
Act as the primary point of contact for government contracting officers, NAVAIR program representatives, and commercial clients.
Lead recurring program reviews, status briefings, and milestone meetings.
Maintain clear, transparent communication across internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment, accountability, and execution discipline.
Support proposal development, cost estimating, and technical volume inputs for new opportunities.
Contribute to pursuits through development of WBS inputs, project schedules, and staffing plans.
Provide input to capture strategies and program transition planning for new awards.
Maintain program visibility using Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint.
Produce weekly and monthly progress reports covering KPIs, risks, and mitigation actions.
Maintain accurate RAILs (Revolving Action Item Logs) and ensure program documentation is complete, controlled, and archived.
Model Aery’s safety-first and compliance-driven culture in every directive and decision.
Lead with a modern, people-centered approach—fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Mentor emerging program managers and coordinators; help strengthen organizational program execution capabilities.