Executive Program Manager – Aerospace Manufacturing Operations

The Executive Program Manager – Aerospace Manufacturing Operations is responsible for leading high-value, complex aerospace manufacturing programs from inception to delivery. The role requires deep collaboration with engineering, supply chain, production, quality, and customer teams to ensure that manufacturing schedules, cost, quality, and technical performance goals are met or exceeded. The role also serves as the strategic interface between the customer and internal stakeholders, ensuring programs align with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

📦 Program Leadership & Delivery

• Manage the full lifecycle of aerospace manufacturing programs, including new product introductions, complex assemblies, and build-to-print projects

• Ensure execution of programs within defined scope, cost, schedule, and quality requirements

• Establish program governance structures, program charters, milestones, and risk registers

🏭 Manufacturing Coordination

• Drive alignment between engineering designs and manufacturing execution (DFM/DFA)

• Monitor production KPIs, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure adherence to aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP)

• Coordinate across fabrication, machining, assembly, and systems integration activities

🔍 Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer engagements, technical reviews, and progress reporting

• Manage contract deliverables, modifications, and customer satisfaction throughout the program lifecycle

• Facilitate regular program reviews with executive leadership and clients

📊 Strategic Planning & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules (IMS) and program cost forecasts (EACs)

• Identify and mitigate technical, supply chain, and execution risks proactively

• Lead corrective action teams and escalation processes when needed

👥 Team Leadership

• Lead cross-functional program teams involving engineering, production, QA, procurement, and logistics

• Mentor program staff and cultivate a high-performance, accountability-driven culture

• Ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and ethical standards

Key Focus Areas:

• Aerospace manufacturing program execution and delivery

• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder engagement

• Cost, quality, and schedule control

• Regulatory and compliance alignment (FAA, AS9100, ITAR)

• Risk mitigation and change management

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s/MBA preferred)

• 12+ years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing, with 7+ years in program/project leadership

• Proven track record managing high-complexity aerospace manufacturing programs (e.g., airframes, propulsion, actuation, or avionics systems)

Preferred Skills:

• Deep knowledge of aerospace standards and quality systems (AS9100, FAA, EASA, NADCAP)

• Proficient in tools like MS Project, SAP, Oracle, and PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill)

• Strong financial acumen (program budgets, cost controls, EVMS)

• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder communication, and team management skills

Certifications (Preferred):

• PMP (Project Management Professional)

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

• ITAR/EAR Compliance Training

• Agile/Scrum certifications (for adaptable project environments)

Working Conditions:

• On-site with frequent presence on production floor and engineering labs

• Travel to customer sites, suppliers, or global manufacturing facilities as required

• High-responsibility position involving coordination with executive-level stakeholders