Program Manager, Propulsion Systems

Job Responsibilities

• Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance across all propulsion system programs.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, budgets, and program execution plans.
• Lead cross-functional teams supporting design, manufacturing, testing, certification, and production efforts.
• Identify program risks and implement mitigation plans to maintain execution objectives.
• Provide regular status reporting to executive leadership on program health, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Support strategic planning and long-range propulsion technology roadmaps.

Technical Program Management

• Oversee development and maturation of the IA-62 engine family and future IA-XX propulsion systems.
• Lead propulsion integration efforts supporting unmanned aircraft systems and advanced aerospace platforms.
• Capture engine development, testing, validation, qualification, and production readiness activities.
• Support development of small form factor turbojet and turbofan propulsion technologies.
• Capture propulsion-related ground testing, flight testing, and performance validation efforts.
• Ensure propulsion systems meet customer, regulatory, and operational requirements.

Operations & Manufacturing Coordination

• Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams to support production planning and scaling activities.
• Capture vendor management, supplier performance, and long-lead procurement efforts.
• Support configuration management, quality assurance, and production process improvements.
• Drive recurring cost reduction and manufacturability initiatives across the propulsion portfolio.
• Support transition of propulsion systems from development into low-rate and full-rate production.

Customer & Business Engagement

• Serve as primary customer interface for propulsion-related programs.
• Support proposal development, technical volumes, ROMs, and customer briefings.
• Affiliate with business development activities involving propulsion technologies and future growth opportunities.
• Capture coordination with Government customers, commercial partners, and subcontractors as required.
• Support technology demonstrations, flight tests, and customer evaluations.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience managing aerospace, propulsion, engine development, or advanced technology programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Strong understanding of propulsion systems, aerospace development programs, and product lifecycle management.
• Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with internal combustion engine development programs.
• Experience with turbine, turbojet, turbofan, or hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
• Experience supporting DoD, aerospace, or unmanned systems programs.
• Familiarity with flight testing, airworthiness processes, and system integration.
• PMP certification preferred.

Skills

• Strong leadership and program management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent programs and priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced engineering development environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 25%.
• Ability to support engine testing, manufacturing reviews, customer demonstrations, and flight test activities as required.