Program Director

This position is pending contract award. The anticipated start date is October 1, 2026. The Deputy Program Director (DPD) supports the Program Director in the execution, management, and performance of the contract, providing daily operational oversight to ensure contract requirements, staffing levels, mission objectives, and customer expectations are met. As a primary liaison between Government representatives, functional managers, and subcontractors, the Deputy Program Director drives operational excellence, mission readiness, and customer satisfaction. Collocated with the Program Director, the Deputy Program Director (DPD) is responsible for the daily execution of all program tasks and holds full authority to marshal personnel and resources to achieve program objectives and maintain contract compliance. The DPD may act on behalf of the Program Director when delegated and assumes leadership responsibilities in the Program Director’s absence. This role requires demonstrated aviation program management experience within a U.S. Army Aviation training and maintenance environment. What you will be responsible for Support the Program Director in overall contract execution and performance. Oversee daily operations to ensure contractual requirements and mission objectives are achieved. Serve as an alternate point of contact for Government representatives and CORs. Coordinate with functional managers to ensure staffing, resource allocation, facilities support, and mission execution. Monitor program performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement. Support development and execution of strategic plans, operating procedures, and improvement initiatives. Ensure timely completion of contract deliverables, reports, and customer requirements. Coordinate with subcontractors and internal departments to ensure compliance and seamless execution. Support financial management activities including labor utilization, forecasting, and cost control. Identify operational risks and support mitigation strategies. Prepare and present program status updates and performance reports. Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Support customer engagement and ensure concerns are addressed promptly. All other duties as assigned. What you will need to be successful in this role Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Aviation, Business, or another applicable discipline. Minimum 15 years of experience supporting aviation operations, aviation maintenance, and aviation flight training programs. Demonstrated experience managing teams, resources, schedules, and operational performance in a complex aviation environment. Experience working directly with Government customers, CORs, and Army Aviation stakeholders. Working knowledge of Army Aviation operations, aviation maintenance, training environments, and readiness requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and installation access credentials; U.S. Citizenship required for Fort Rucker access. Ability to travel as required to support customer engagements and program execution. Master’s degree preferred. FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate and Inspection Authorization (IA) preferred. Experience managing large scale Army or DoD aviation programs with cost, schedule, and performance responsibility. The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: Competitive compensation. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Generous paid time off program. Professional development and career advancement opportunities. Physical Demands/Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility. The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment. AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr