Engineering Program Manager

Engineering Program Manager – Aerospace Manufacturing

Wichita, KS | Direct Hire

About the Role

Our client, an established aerospace manufacturer, is hiring an Engineering Program Manager to lead complex programs from contract award through production and delivery. This is a customer-facing leadership role that drives execution across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations, with ownership of cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives.

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross-functional programs from proposal through production launch, including NPI, production readiness, and First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Build and manage integrated program plans, schedules, milestones, and risk registers
• Serve as the primary engineering point of contact for customers, leading program reviews, technical discussions, and status updates
• Manage requirements flow-down, engineering change requests, and scope changes with impact to cost, schedule, and resources
• Track budgets, labor utilization, and program performance metrics, and report to leadership
• Drive risk mitigation, corrective actions, and resolution of program escalations
• Support proposals, estimates, and business case evaluations
• Improve program management processes, tools, and reporting

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related), required
• 5+ years of aerospace, defense, aviation, or advanced manufacturing experience
• 5+ years in program management, project management, engineering leadership, or NPI
• Proven track record managing complex technical programs and working directly with customers and executive stakeholders
• Strong ability to read engineering drawings, specs, and manufacturing plans
• Solid understanding of aerospace manufacturing: assembly, fabrication, machining, and supply chain
• Working knowledge of configuration management and engineering change processes
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and advanced MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project)

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Engineering, MBA, or Program Management
• CATIA V5 experience
• AS9100 and aerospace regulatory familiarity

Who Thrives Here

A personable, relationship-driven leader who communicates well, influences without direct authority, and stays calm under pressure. You’re comfortable moving between the customer conference room and the shop floor, and you own outcomes.

If you’re a program leader who wants real ownership of aerospace programs from award to delivery, contact me at View email address on click.appcast.io .