Sr. Program Manager

Work Arrangement

Onsite with occasional travel.

Job Overview

AEVEX Aerospace is seeking a Senior Program Manager to manage the development and assembly of aircraft with enhanced special mission capabilities to support unique DoD and commercial customers requirements. They will provide expert leadership and direction across complex unmanned systems programs, with a particular focus on operations that utilize additive manufactured components. This role requires deep knowledge of operational execution, engineering, system test, maintenance, and technical management practices, combined with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. This person will oversee all aspects of a project, from planning and design to execution and delivery.

Essential Functions

• Provide senior-level expertise across operations, engineering, maintenance, system test, and technical management disciplines in support of assigned unmanned systems programs.
• Lead programs that incorporate additive manufactured components, ensuring integration of AM technologies into design, qualification, production, and sustainment processes.
• Work directly with customers to define requirements, develop executable work plans, and ensure timely, quality delivery of program objectives.
• Ensure all programs are executed with the highest standards of safety, compliance, and technical rigor, including adherence to AM quality controls, configuration management, and flightworthiness requirements.
• Maintain a high-performing team that embodies AEVEX values, professional standards, and a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Provide clear communication of expectations and develop forward-leaning strategies that enhance organizational capability, particularly in AM-enabled rapid prototyping, low-rate production, and accelerated fielding of unmanned platforms.
• Advise senior executives on operational readiness, training, staffing, and workforce planning, including specialized roles supporting additive manufacturing and unmanned systems integration.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with peers, subordinates, and customers; influence strategic and operational planning with expert technical and programmatic guidance.
• Demonstrate agility and adaptability in managing emerging requirements, resolving challenges, and maintaining alignment with organizational priorities.
• Drive alignment and achievement of strategic objectives and performance goals across programs, business units, and support teams.
• Manage all aspects of assigned programs, including cost, schedule, performance, and risk, with an emphasis on disciplined execution and continuous improvement.
• Employ industry best practices and tools to ensure programs meet or exceed financial, technical, and operational performance targets.
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs and Growth Team to identify future opportunities, support capture activities, develop program strategies, and expand AM and unmanned systems capabilities for new and existing customers.
• Develop and implement processes to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks throughout the program life cycle, including technical risk associated with AM-produced components and rapidflight systems.
• Support proposal development as a subject matter expert, providing technical solutions, program structures, and cost inputs; may lead a team of SMEs in developing technical volumes.
• Represent AEVEX professionally and effectively in all internal and external engagements, fostering trust and long-term partnerships.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in the Microsoft Office suite, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project.
• Experience developing, maintaining, and managing Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for complex programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with customers, cross-functional teams, and technical personnel at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess technical, operational, and programmatic issues and recommend sound solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, including controlling scope, schedules, and deliverables to ensure program success.
• Self-starter with strong judgment; knows when to seek guidance but is highly capable of working independently with minimal oversight.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and committed to exceptional work quality and follow-through.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing teams to deliver projects on schedule and within budget while maintaining high customer satisfaction.
• Experience working with subcontractors and vendors, including development of statements of work, definition of technical requirements, negotiation of terms, and management of performance.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a strong passion for collaboration, team-building, and fostering a positive work environment.

Leadership Competencies

• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX’s policies and procedures.
• Decision-Making: Exercises sound judgment under pressure; makes timely, data-driven decisions while balancing technical, operational, and business considerations.
• Influence and Communication: Communicates with clarity, confidence, and purpose; effectively engages customers, executives, and cross-functional teams to align priorities and drive outcomes.
• Team Leadership: Builds, motivates, and develops high-performing multidisciplinary teams; fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Customer Focus: Maintains strong customer relationships, anticipates customer needs, and ensures delivery of high-quality solutions that meet or exceed expectations.
• Adaptability and Agility: Responds effectively to changing priorities, emerging risks, and evolving technology, particularly in rapid-development and AM-enabled environments.
• Execution Excellence: Drives disciplined program execution, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance objectives are met; maintains a focus on safety, compliance, and operational readiness.
• Innovation Mindset: Encourages creative problem-solving and the application of new technologies such as additive manufacturing to improve capability, reduce cycle times, and strengthen competitive advantage.
• Collaboration and Influence: Works seamlessly across organizational boundaries, leveraging relationships with engineering, operations, supply chain, and leadership to solve complex challenges.
• Integrity and Accountability: Demonstrates ethical leadership, transparency, and ownership of decisions; holds self and others accountable to high professional standards.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline required.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Program Management, Business Administration (MBA), or related field preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), or DAUequivalent certification strongly preferred.
• Training or certification in aerospace program management, systems engineering, or airworthiness processes (e.g., MIL-STD, AS9100, FAA / DoD frameworks) is advantageous.
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing standards or training (ASTM F42, SAE AMS-AM, or similar) is considered a plus.

Experience

• 15 or more years Program/Project Management experience.
• Preferred: Experience with additive manufacturing technologies, processes, and quality management as applied to unmanned systems, rapid prototyping, or low-rate production environments.

Physical Requirements

Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

Note:
For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

• Has a Secret DoD clearance upon start of employment and has the ability to obtain/maintain a TS/SCI
  clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX 

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.