Program Manager

Program ManagerComlux America is a world-class VIP aircraft completion and refurbishment center located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company designs, engineers, and installs custom luxury interiors and advanced aircraft systems for airliner-derivative business jets. Comlux also offers scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services. Specializing in highly customized aircraft, Comlux transforms aircraft into personalized flying environments that reflect exceptional craftsmanship, precision engineering, and uncompromising safety.Role DescriptionThe Program Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and administering VIP interior cabin completion programs for transport category aircraft executed under Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) projects. This role serves as the primary customer advocate and the single point of contact for both customers and executive leadership throughout the building, completion, and delivery phases of the aircraft.The Program Manager ensures that aircraft completion programs are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The core objective of this role is to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage program execution to support the company's operational, commercial, and customer satisfaction goals.Essential Job FunctionsLead integrated program planning, scheduling, and project control activities within a multi-functional matrix organization to optimize resource allocation and ensure adherence to cost and schedule requirements.Ensure production, engineering, executive leadership, and cost management teams maintain clear visibility into program demands to enable effective prioritization and resource planning.Develop and maintain integrated program management frameworks and processes that support efficient planning and execution across multiple departments and shared resource centers.Prepare program reports, presentations, and updates to communicate performance status to customers and leadership, including progress against technical, commercial, and aesthetic project requirements.Develop, manage, and maintain the master program schedule and associated program budgets.Coordinate commercial and technical interactions with key program subcontractors and external partners.Contribute to the development and refinement of internal operating procedures to support continuous improvement and corporate operational development.Standardize customer communications to ensure alignment with Comlux corporate communication standards across all aircraft completion programs.Maintain regular coordination and communication with customer representatives throughout the entire program lifecycle.Support performance evaluations of key personnel based on direct observations and experience gained during program execution.Identify and resolve program risks, issues, and conflicts within project teams, escalating critical concerns to executive leadership when appropriate.Develop and deliver final program executive reports summarizing financial performance, technical results, operational outcomes, and recommendations for improvement.Perform other related duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications, Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in engineering, aviation management, or a related field required.Minimum 10 years of experience in project planning and program management, preferably within the aviation industry.Minimum 5 years of experience in an STC environment supporting business or private aircraft completions or modifications on transport category aircraft.Experience with Boeing or Airbus aircraft platforms preferred.Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal teams, customers, and executive leadership.Demonstrated experience in progressive leadership roles within aircraft production, aircraft completions, or aviation maintenance environments.Strong technical problem-solving and crisis management capabilities within complex aviation production environments.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical documentation.Required Skills and AbilitiesComprehensive knowledge of aircraft completion processes and program execution within a VIP aircraft environment.Demonstrated leadership ability, strong business acumen, initiative, and the ability to drive operational results.Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles as applied to aircraft completions and aviation production environments.Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and present information to leadership and customers.Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, production, quality, and program management functions.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience using Microsoft Project or similar project scheduling tools; advanced proficiency preferred.Work EnvironmentThis position is primarily based in an office environment and may require occasional time in an aircraft hangar or production environment. The role may involve:Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand aviation environment.Extended periods working at a computerOccasional exposure to aircraft hangar or production areasWalking between office, hangar, and production areas as neededInteraction with cross-functional teams in office, shop-floor, and meeting settingsWhy Join Us?Your success is our success. We provide a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package that supports you and your family.401(k) with company annual contribution equal to 3% of eligible compensationCompany-sponsored HSA100% company-paid vision premiumsMedical, Dental, Life Insurance, and EAP benefitsFree financial consultations and guidanceEEO StatementComlux is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.