Associate Program Manager

About the role

The Airbus Helicopters Flexrotor Program is seeking an Associate Program Manager to join the Program Management Team in Bingen, WA. The role involves managing assignments for Flexrotor programs and contracts, supporting development of new efforts, and expanding business opportunities. Responsibilities include establishing, forecasting, implementing, and monitoring scope, schedule, and budgets, as well as developing proposals for program enhancements and revenue growth. Strong coordination across departments, schedule and budget management, change tracking, contract/proposal support, and risk assessment are essential.

Working environment

Located in the Columbia River Gorge, the workplace offers a blend of innovation and natural beauty. Employees enjoy a collaborative crew focused on solving complex challenges while benefiting from the Pacific Northwest’s scenery.

How we care for you

• Financial rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation (including profit‑sharing), retirement savings plan, and eligibility to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life balance: Paid time off (personal time, holidays) and a generous paid parental leave program.
• Health & welfare: Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Program, and other supplemental coverages.
• Individual development: Access to global Leadership University, unlimited e‑learning courses, certifications, accelerated development programs, and national/international mobility opportunities.

Your challenges

• Stakeholder Management (35%): Work with cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Business Development, Flight Testing, etc.) to deliver programs and proposals on schedule, budget, and quality; maintain documentation for staff meetings and program reviews; serve as primary interface for assigned programs.
• Customer / Partner Management (20%): Guide customers and partners through initiation, execution, and close‑out of Flexrotor contracts; ensure contractual compliance and high customer satisfaction; manage difficult situations.
• Schedule Management (15%): Develop and maintain project/program schedules; adjust schedules as requirements change; monitor Schedule Performance Indicator (SPI) and ensure on‑time delivery.
• Budget Management (15%): Create project budgets with input from functional departments; verify and adjust budgets for change orders; track expenditures and identify cost‑saving opportunities; monitor Cost Performance Indicator (CPI).
• Program / Contractual Management (15%): Support offer/proposal phases for program enhancements; provide technical advice to sales teams; interpret contractual requirements; deliver metrics and reports to leadership; coordinate with support functions for on‑time, on‑cost, on‑quality delivery.

Additional responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Program Management, or Business Management.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in project/program management, including hardware, services, and support.
• Up to 20 % domestic and international travel.
• Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR (U.S. citizen, green‑card holder, or covered by existing ITAR license).
• Proven ability to lead complex multi‑national, multi‑cultural teams and break down complex issues into manageable work packages.
• Strong risk‑management and planning skills; ability to analyze business processes and solve problems.
• Financial acumen for budgeting large‑scale programs and performing activity analysis.
• Leadership skills, proactive approach, and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English, including high‑level presentations.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and familiarity with ERP systems and professional scheduling tools (MS Project, Primavera, Smartsheet).

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with Department of Defense programs, Flexrotor or similar UAV platforms.
• Experience working within cross‑functional, matrix organizations.
• Project/Program Management certification.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.

Physical requirements

• Vision: Ability to see and read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Ability to participate in conversations, teleconferences, and hear safety warnings.
• Speaking: Ability to communicate effectively in meetings and presentations.
• Equipment operation: Use of standard office equipment and some production tools (e.g., hydraulic lifts).
• Carrying/lifting: Ability to handle documents, tools, and equipment up to 30 lb (14 kg).
• Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, walk, squat, kneel, push/pull small furniture and equipment, and navigate uneven surfaces.
• Travel: Ability to travel independently on short notice several times per month.
• Personal protective equipment: Safety shoes (steel‑toed), safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and/or protective gloves as required by site.

Salary range

$83,000 – $124,000 per year, with actual compensation varying based on geographic differential, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts.
• Basic & voluntary life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off, including holidays and generous parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Performance‑based bonuses.