E01-C07 F-16 Sustainment Project Leader

Project Leader

Start Date: Immediate

JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

Full-time/Permanent Employee

Location: Local to Eglin AFB, FL or Hollywood, MD

Travel: Weekly coordination visits to the Eglin AFB are required. Routine travel (one trip per month, 1-2 days per trip) to Patuxent River, MD is also required.

Aether Aerospace is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Project Leader to manage an engineering services project in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL area. The project tasks include on-aircraft maintenance of the VENOM Autonomy Kit (VAK); maintaining and tracking spare parts and inventory; supporting pre-flight, live-flight, and post-flight activities; incorporating updates to the VAK system software and hardware; and coordinating with our in-house shop to fabricate avionics components. This role is responsible for managing project scope; coordinating maintenance, logistics, and engineering teams; communicating with DARPA and US Air Force customers; tracking budgets and actual costs; and communicating with company leadership.

The aircraft maintenance and logistics team is co-located with the aircraft on-site at Eglin AFB. The engineering team is at various remote locations. The fabrication team is located in Hollywood, MD. The position is remote.

The proposed salary range for this position is $140,000. There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the VENOM Sustainment project from initiation through completion.
• Ensure compliance with all SOW and contract requirements.
• Maintain visit requests, contractor access cards, and other paperwork necessary for the maintenance, logistics, engineering teams have access to Eglin AFB and the aircraft hangars.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all project tasks. Coordinate with maintenance, logistics, engineering, and manufacturing task leads.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and status reports.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, customers, and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with internal processes and procedures.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between maintenance, engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain teams.

Key Qualifications

Clearance: Ability to obtain clearance

• Demonstrated success in project leadership or technical team management.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing engineering services projects.
• Experience with DOD aircraft avionics modifications, preferably F-16

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.