Program Manager

Program Manager - Aerospace ManufacturingPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced, hands-on Program Manager to lead aerospace customer programs through a period of operational improvement and growth. This role will have end-to-end responsibility for program performance, including schedule, cost, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.The ideal candidate is more than a traditional program manager. This individual will be comfortable working directly on the manufacturing floor, partnering with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to identify problems, implement corrective actions, and improve operational performance.The Program Manager will also play a key role in strengthening production processes, improving MRP/ERP system utilization, and establishing more consistent program management practices within a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram ManagementOwn end-to-end performance for assigned aerospace customer programs, including schedule, cost, quality, and on-time delivery.Serve as the primary customer-facing representative for assigned programs.Manage customer communications, program reviews, escalations, and issue resolution.Develop and maintain integrated program schedules, risk registers, action plans, and milestone trackers.Lead cross-functional program reviews, including internal and customer-facing meetings.Monitor program financials, budgets, forecasts, and variance performance.Ensure customer commitments and program milestones are clearly communicated and achieved.Manufacturing & OperationsWork directly with shop-floor teams to identify and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks, quality issues, capacity constraints, and schedule risks.Partner with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to implement effective corrective actions.Investigate recurring manufacturing issues and drive sustainable, data-driven solutions.Support capacity planning and production scheduling to meet customer commitments.Maintain strong visibility into production status and proactively address potential delivery risks.Translate customer and program requirements into actionable manufacturing priorities.Process & Systems ImprovementIdentify inefficiencies and gaps in production processes, planning practices, and MRP/ERP system utilization.Improve data accuracy, master data integrity, planning logic, and system workflows.Partner with operations and IT/systems teams to improve MRP/ERP functionality and utilization.Champion Lean and continuous improvement initiatives designed to reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase schedule predictability.Develop standard work, procedures, and documentation as organizational processes mature.Establish improved program management practices, metrics, and reporting tools.Risk, Quality & ComplianceProactively identify technical, schedule, financial, quality, and supply chain risks.Develop and execute mitigation plans to protect program commitments.Support compliance with AS9100, customer-specific quality requirements, contractual requirements, and applicable aerospace regulations.Support ITAR/export-control requirements as applicable to customer programs.Participate in new program launches, including APQP, PPAP, or equivalent launch activities.Ensure program risks and corrective actions are appropriately documented and communicated.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.5+ years of aerospace program management experience, preferably within an aerospace components or systems manufacturing environment.Proven experience managing programs for major aerospace OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and MRP/ERP systems.Experience working in a hands-on manufacturing or plant environment.Strong customer relationship management and communication skills.Experience presenting program status, resolving issues, and negotiating solutions with customers.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.Ability to interpret schedule, cost, quality, and operational data to make effective business decisions.Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.Preferred QualificationsExperience working directly with major aerospace customers such as GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Middle River Aircraft Systems, or Pratt & Whitney.Experience with composite manufacturing, including layup, curing, machining, and/or NDT.Experience with PLEX or similar MRP/ERP systems.Experience supporting MRP/ERP implementation, optimization, or system improvement initiatives.Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, or PPAP experience.Experience working with international aerospace customers.Familiarity with ITAR and export-control requirements.PMP certification or equivalent program/project management credential.Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace quality management systems.Key CompetenciesHands-On Problem Solver: Willing to work directly with shop-floor teams and address problems at their source.Ownership Mentality: Takes accountability for results and follows issues through to resolution.Continuous Improvement Mindset: Identifies opportunities to improve processes, systems, quality, and productivity.Cross-Functional Leadership: Effectively influences production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and other teams.Customer Focus: Builds strong customer relationships and maintains a high level of responsiveness.Analytical: Uses data to identify trends, assess risks, and make informed decisions.Adaptability: Comfortable operating in an evolving environment where processes and systems are still being developed.Bias Toward Action: Moves quickly to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement sustainable improvements.Work EnvironmentThis is a hands-on, on-site leadership position within an aerospace manufacturing environment. The successful candidate should be comfortable spending significant time on the production floor and collaborating directly with manufacturing and operational teams.