Program Manager

Program ManagerWe are seeking an experienced, hands-on Program Manager to lead customer programs through a critical period of operational improvement, driving both program performance and internal process maturity. The Program Manager will serve as the primary point of accountability for assigned aerospace customer programs, owning schedule, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction from award through delivery. This role requires more than traditional program oversight — the ideal candidate is comfortable on the shop floor, working directly with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to solve real-time manufacturing problems. The successful candidate will also play a key role in driving improvements to production processes and the company's MRP system, which currently presents significant opportunities for optimization. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment and is energized by fixing things that are broken rather than simply managing around them.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn end-to-end program performance for assigned customer accounts, including schedule adherence, cost management, quality metrics, and on-time deliveryServe as the primary customer-facing representative, managing communications, program reviews, and issue resolution with customers such as GE, Lockheed Martin, KHI, Middle River, and Pratt & WhitneyDevelop and maintain integrated program schedules, risk registers, and action item trackersLead cross-functional program reviews (internal and customer-facing), including IPTs, milestone reviews, and escalation meetingsManage program financials including budgets, forecasts, and variance analysisManufacturing & OperationsWork directly on the production floor to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks, quality escapes, and schedule risks in real timePartner with production, quality, and engineering teams to implement corrective actions and process improvementsIdentify root causes of recurring production issues and drive sustainable, data-informed solutionsSupport capacity planning and production scheduling to meet program commitmentsProcess & Systems ImprovementIdentify gaps and inefficiencies in current production processes and MRP system usage; lead or support initiatives to improve data accuracy, planning logic, and system utilizationCollaborate with operations and IT/systems teams to improve MRP configuration, master data integrity, and planning workflowsChampion lean/continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase schedule predictabilityDevelop standard work and documentation to support more consistent program execution as processes matureRisk & ComplianceProactively identify program risks (technical, schedule, financial, supply chain) and develop mitigation plansEnsure compliance with AS9100, customer-specific quality requirements, and applicable contractual/regulatory requirements, including ITAR/export control considerations relevant to international customers.Support new program launches (APQP/PPAP or equivalent) as neededRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)5+ years of experience as a Program Manager within the aerospace industry, ideally in a components or systems manufacturing environmentDemonstrated success managing customer programs with major OEMs or Tier 1 suppliersStrong working knowledge of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and MRP/ERP systems. PLEX preferred.Proven ability to work hands-on in a plant environment, engaging directly with shop floor teams to solve problemsExcellent communication and relationship-management skills, with experience presenting to and negotiating with customersStrong analytical skills with the ability to interpret schedule, cost, and quality data to drive decisionsPreferred QualificationsDirect experience working with GE, Lockheed Martin, KHI, Middle River, and/or Pratt & Whitney as a customer.Experience with composite materials manufacturing (layup, curing, machining, NDT)Background in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, APQP/PPAP)Experience driving or supporting MRP/ERP implementations or system improvementsExperience working with international customers and familiarity with export control/ITAR requirementsPMP certification or equivalent program/project management credentialFamiliarity with AS9100 and aerospace quality management systemsKey CompetenciesHands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves problem solverComfortable operating with ambiguity in an environment where processes are still maturingStrong ownership mentality and bias toward actionEffective cross-functional leader without direct authorityCustomer-focused with strong executive presence