Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense
Location: Newport News, VA
Position Type: Direct Hire
Salary: Starting at $100,000+, depending on experience
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead major aerospace and defense programs as the primary interface with prime contractors, government customers, and commercial aviation partners.
The Program Manager will own overall program execution from contract award through delivery and sustainment, driving technical excellence, schedule reliability, financial performance, quality, and safety. This position will partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Flight Operations, Production, Finance, and executive leadership.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, structured leader who communicates clearly, identifies and manages risk early, and thrives in a fast-paced aerospace/defense environment. This individual should be committed to accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field
- 5+ years of program management experience in aerospace or defense
- Experience leading complex aviation, mission, or aircraft modification programs; $50M+ program scope preferred
- Experience with government contracting and/or DoD agencies
- Experience supporting government ISR operations
- Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint
- Strong analytical, financial management, risk management, and executive communication skills
- Knowledge of PMI/PMP principles ; PMP certification preferred or obtainable within 12 months
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance
- Ability to travel up to 25% , including domestic and international travel
- Willingness to participate in required drug-free workplace, program management, quality, and FAA Part 145 training
- Experience managing government contracts
- Direct experience with aircraft modification programs
- Working knowledge of FAA, AS9100D, FAR, and DFARS requirements
- Experience with Cost-Plus and Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contracts
- Direct overall program execution, including cost, schedule, quality, risk, and customer requirements
- Coordinate with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Flight Operations to meet modification and mission-readiness milestones
- Monitor program budgets, revenue forecasts, labor utilization, and earned value
- Identify financial and schedule risks and develop corrective or recovery actions
- Manage contract changes, including CCOs, REAs, and contract modifications
- Serve as a primary contact for government contracting officers, NAVAIR program representatives , prime contractors, and commercial customers
- Lead program reviews, status meetings, milestone discussions, and executive briefings
- Support proposals, cost estimating, technical inputs, WBS development, schedules, staffing plans, and capture activities
- Maintain program information and reporting through Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint
- Prepare recurring reports covering KPIs, risks, mitigation plans, and program status
- Maintain RAILs (Revolving Action Item Logs) and ensure program records are properly controlled and archived
- Promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Mentor program managers and coordinators and help improve program management processes