Project Manager, Aerospace & Defense

MISTRAS Group•,

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Manager (PM) will lead and oversee Aerospace & Defense field work. In this role, the PM will provide hands-on leadership for on-site inspections, nondestructive testing (NDT/NDI), and related asset integrity services supporting commercial aerospace, defense, and space customers. You will manage field teams executing work at customer facilities, space labs, manufacturing sites, and other operational locations, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the exacting quality and compliance standards required by the aerospace and defense industry. This position requires strong field presence, deep knowledge of NDT methods and aerospace quality systems, and the ability to build trusted relationships with customers while driving operational excellence and zero-incident safety performance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related technical field preferred.
5+ years of Project Management or supervisory experience, with at least 3–5 years managing field inspection/NDT projects (Aerospace & Defense experience strongly preferred).
Solid technical background in nondestructive testing methods (UT, RT, PT, MT, VT, or advanced techniques); Level II certifications or equivalent experience preferred.
Prior experience working in regulated industries with strict quality, safety, and compliance requirements (aerospace, defense, or similar highly regulated sectors).
Strong customer relationship and communication skills (written and verbal); proven ability to manage stakeholders and deliver under pressure.
Demonstrated leadership of field teams with a track record of maintaining exceptional HSE performance and meeting project KPIs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools; experience with data extraction, KPI reporting, and large worklists/spreadsheets.
Willingness and ability to maintain a strong field presence, including travel to customer sites as required.
S. citizenship or ability to meet ITAR and other security/compliance requirements may be necessary depending on specific projects; active or ability to obtain security clearance preferred for certain defense work.
Pass pre-employment background check, alcohol/drug screen, and any required medical evaluations.
Maintain relevant certifications and continue professional development as required.
Demonstrate the highest commitment to safety, quality culture, and ethical conduct in all

Nice To Haves

PMP or equivalent project management certification.
API, ASNT, or other relevant NDT certifications.
Experience with aerospace primes, defense contractors, or FAA-related work.
Familiarity with MISTRAS systems or similar asset integrity/project management platforms.
Background in rope access, industrial services, or multi-disciplined field crews.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, oversight, and day-to-day management of all MISTRAS field activities on Aerospace & Defense projects, including NDT/NDI (UT, RT, PT, MT, VT, PAUT, and related advanced methods), access services, and supporting industrial services.
Manage project scope, schedule, resources, budget, and deliverables from planning through closeout; develop and implement planning, cost control, and progress-tracking systems.
Maintain a strong on-site presence; direct field supervisors and multi-disciplined crews to ensure high productivity, quality, and compliance with contract, customer, and company requirements.
Build and sustain strong customer relationships; serve as the primary point of contact for clients, delivering regular status updates, KPI reports, and ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.
Ensure strict adherence to HSE, radiation safety (where applicable), quality, and regulatory requirements (including applicable aerospace/defense standards such as Nadcap, AS9100, ITAR, and customer-specific procedures).
Lead risk management efforts, resolve field issues and unanticipated complexities promptly, and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency.
Assist with proposal development, scope definition, and budget estimation for new and ongoing Aerospace & Defense field work.
Prepare and deliver accurate daily/weekly status reports, staffing plans, work-location tracking, and performance metrics to both customers and internal leadership.
Demonstrate accessible, visible leadership that promotes positive employee morale, accountability, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
Coordinate with In-Labs, Technical Team, Sales, and other MISTRAS resources as needed to support integrated field-to-lab solutions.