The Role
Leads assigned aerospace and defense programs from inception through completion, coordinating scope, schedules, budgets, risks, quality, deliverables, and customer communications. Supports cross-functional technical, manufacturing, finance, and administrative teams; monitors performance against milestones; manages reporting, documentation, change control, and contractual compliance. Requires extensive program management experience, defense industry expertise, strong communication, financial management, and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Summary Generated by Built In
JOB TITLE: PROGRAM MANAGER I
DEPARTMENT: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
REPORTS TO: PROGRAM MANAGER III
CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT
PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Program Manager I will lead and oversee all phases of assigned programs from inception to completion, ensuring the successful execution to meet business and financial goals. This role involves being accountable for the cost, schedule, and technical performance of all production programs. The Program Manager I will act as the main point of contact for customers, lead program reviews, establish design and development criteria, monitor progress against master plans, and direct the efforts of technical, manufacturing, and administrative staff assigned to the programs.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the execution of assigned programs from inception through completion to help achieve business, operational, and financial objectives.
- Coordinate program activities across internal teams to support scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
- Assist in developing and maintaining program plans, schedules, budgets, action trackers, and related documentation.
- Monitor program progress against established milestones and communicate status, risks, and issues to leadership.
- Help identify program risks, support mitigation planning, and escalate concerns as appropriate.
- Participate in customer meetings, program reviews, and internal cross-functional meetings.
- Serve as a point of contact for internal stakeholders and support customer communication as assigned.
- Track deliverables, commitments, and action items to help ensure timely program execution.
- Support change management activities, including updates to schedule, scope, resources, and priorities.
- Coordinate with finance and leadership to support budget tracking, cost visibility, and program reporting.
- Assist in ensuring program execution aligns with contractual requirements, internal procedures, and company standards.
- Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and metrics for senior leadership and customer reviews.
- Work collaboratively with technical and operational teams to help resolve issues affecting program performance.
- Maintain accurate program records and documentation throughout the program lifecycle.
- Support continuous improvement efforts related to program execution, communication, and reporting.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
- Prior experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or a highly regulated industry.
- Familiarity with government contracts, program reporting, or customer-driven deliverables.
- Exposure to project or program management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar platforms.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or progress toward certification preferred.
- Experience with NAVAIR or other DoD-related programs preferred.
- Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, or other applicable contract compliance requirements preferred.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
- 8+ years of related Program/project Management experience. B.S. + 4 years of demonstrated experience in Program Management may be considered. Degree should be focused on Business, Engineering, IT, Computer Science, or other related fields. An A.S. + 6 years of relevant Program management may be considered
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Demonstrated expertise in Department of Defense, US, and other military branches
- Knowledge and experience in Aerospace or Defense Industry
- Strong familiarity with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices
- Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent analytical skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful
- Leadership and team management
- Project planning and execution
- Financial and budget management
- Risk management and problem-solving
- Strong communication and negotiation
- Technical knowledge in defense manufacturing
- Proven ability to solve problems creatively
- Excellent customer interface and communication skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Primarily office/desk-based work using standard office equipment.
- May require occasional meetings outside standard hours to support audit/assessment timelines.
- Ability to sit for extended periods and operate a computer and other office productivity tools.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of related program or project management experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, IT, Computer Science, or a related field plus 4 years of program management experience may be considered
- Associate degree plus 6 years of relevant program management experience may be considered
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Demonstrated expertise in the Department of Defense, the United States, and other military branches
- Knowledge and experience in the aerospace or defense industry
- Strong familiarity with project management software, methodologies, and best practices
- Ability to complete projects within scope, budget, and timeline
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management experience
- Project planning and execution experience
- Financial and budget management experience
- Risk management and problem-solving experience
- Technical knowledge in defense manufacturing
- Excellent customer interface and communication skills
- PMP certification
- Prior experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or a highly regulated industry
- Familiarity with government contracts, program reporting, or customer-driven deliverables
- Experience with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar tools
- Experience with NAVAIR or other Department of Defense programs
- Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, or related contract compliance requirements
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The Company
What We Do
Platform Aerospace specializes in manufacturing, aviation modification and prototyping, and cutting-edge aerial ISR products, namely VANILLA UNMANNED UAS. Platform is AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified and is a registered service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB)
