Aerospace Program Manager

Team: Qualdoc Staffing

Location: Newport News, VA

Commitment: Direct Hire

Workplace Type: onsite

Aerospace Program Manager

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $100,000/year — higher compensation available based on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Aerospace Program Manager to oversee government and commercial aviation programs from contract award through delivery and sustainment. This role will manage program performance, customer relationships, financial results, schedules, quality, and risk while coordinating with Engineering, Production, Quality, Flight Operations, and Finance.

The Program Manager will also serve as a key interface with prime contractors, government customers, and commercial partners.

Requirements

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Key Responsibilities

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