Senior Program Manager, Propulsors

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead the development and integration of electric ducted fan propulsion systems for the next generation of commercial and defense aircraft in Nashville, TN. In this role, you will oversee cross-functional engineering teams, driving program execution from concept through certification while meeting performance, schedule, and cost metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead program planning and execution for electric propulsion system development from concept through test and certification
• Manage scope, schedule, and budgets while ensuring alignment across the team
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements, milestones, and risk management strategies
• Drive issue resolution and program decisions balancing technical performance, risk, and schedule
• Interface with suppliers, customers, and certification authorities to ensure compliance with aerospace standards and regulatory requirements
• Support long-term product strategy, roadmap planning, and technology maturation for future propulsion systems
• Facilitate cross-functional design reviews and program updates to internal and external stakeholders
• Interact regularly with leadership to communicate status, priorities, issues, and resource needs
• Use agile management tools to plan sprints, track progress, and maintain documentation across teams

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status is required, as this position may access export-controlled data
• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with at least 5 years in a program management role
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-disciplinary aerospace programs (preferably involving propulsion or power systems)
• Experience defining and managing program schedules and budgets
• Experience applying agile methodologies in a hardware or hybrid hardware/software program environment
• Strong understanding of aircraft propulsion, electrical power generation/distribution, or hybrid-electric architectures
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse technical teams and manage suppliers or partners
• Proficiency with agile project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, or equivalent
• Background in R&D environments developing new aerospace technologies
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Willingness to work on tasks outside primary job functions

Skills

• Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms for project management and documentation
• Strong understanding of aerospace standards, regulatory requirements, and certification processes (Part 23, 25, or 33)
• Experience with system safety standards (ARP4754A, ARP4761)
• Knowledge of testing medium or high voltage power systems
• Familiarity with modern requirements management software

Benefits

• Top-tier, employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, with minimum 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents, including HSA/FSA options
• Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days, plus federal holidays
• Competitive salary with value-based compensation, plus Tennessee's no-income-tax advantage
• End-of-year bonuses for eligible employees
• Beverages, snacks, and paid team meals based on office demands
• 401(k), relocation assistance, and professional development stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.