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Aviation Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NPI Program Manager, Aircraft

Marina, CA · On-site

$149K - $185K/yr

Joby Aviation is building an industry-defining aircraft - and bringing it to market requires an industry-defining approach to new vehicle introduction. We are looking for a Program Manager who wants ...

STV is seeking a Project/Program Manager to join our national aviation team to oversee and direct airport terminal improvements. We have projects nationwide at all major airports including the states ...

About the Role As an Engineering Program Manager for Archer Intelligence , you will be the ... Integrate aviation safety and regulatory milestones (e.g., certification gates) directly into the ...

Senior Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$136K - $136K/yr

... Aviation, Communication, Electronic Warfare, Industrial, Missile/UAV, Radar, SatCom, Space, and Test and Measurement. OPEN POSITION DETAILS: They are looking to hire a Program Manager in their Bay ...

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Aviation Program Manager information

See California salary details

$63.2K

$94.4K

$127.3K

How much do aviation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for aviation program manager in California is $94,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $99,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Aviation Program Manager Do?

An aviation program manager is supposed to plan projects, assess the cost and schedule, find solutions to engineering problems, and oversee the project from beginning until final delivery. Your duties as an aviation program manager require you to understand many different aspects of aviation and aerospace engineering. You must also be well-versed in the business and revenue side of aviation, as well as the regulations around air transport. As a program manager, your responsibilities also include recruiting teams for projects, managing deadlines and schedules, reviewing technical specifications, and ensuring that your team finishes the deliverables on time.

What are Aviation Program Managers?

Aviation Program Managers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing aviation-related projects or programs within organizations such as airports, airlines, or government agencies. Their duties often include managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating teams, and achieving project milestones. They play a critical role in ensuring that aviation operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently, often acting as the link between technical teams, management, and stakeholders. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and knowledge of aviation regulations are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Aviation Program Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Aviation Program Managers often encounter challenges such as managing complex stakeholder expectations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating cross-functional teams on tight deadlines. To address these, effective communication, proactive risk management, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aviation regulations are essential. Building strong relationships with regulatory agencies and fostering a collaborative team environment can also help navigate these challenges smoothly.

What is the difference between Aviation Program Manager vs Aviation Project Coordinator?

AspectAviation Program ManagerAviation Project Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, engineering, or related field; certifications like PMP or FAA licenses are commonUsually requires a bachelor's degree; certifications are less common but may include project management or aviation safety
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects and programs within airlines, airports, or aerospace companiesSupports specific projects, coordinating tasks and schedules within larger programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airlines, aerospace firms, and government agencies managing large-scale aviation initiativesFound in similar settings, focusing on supporting project execution in aviation organizations

The Aviation Program Manager focuses on overseeing multiple aviation projects and strategic initiatives, requiring broader management skills. In contrast, the Aviation Project Coordinator handles specific project tasks, supporting the program's success. Both roles are essential in aviation organizations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aviation Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aviation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, aviation regulations, and operations, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Familiarity with aviation management software, risk assessment tools, and compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help coordinate teams and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of aviation programs in a highly regulated and dynamic environment.
What are popular job titles related to Aviation Program Manager jobs in California? For Aviation Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Aviation Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Aviation Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Aviation Program Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $94,443 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Aviation Program Manager

Aviation Program Manager

Regent Aerospace Corporation

Valencia, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

JOB TITLE: Program Manager                               
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
 
REPORTS TO:  President                  
The following description is not intended as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
Duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at anytime. 
 
SUMMARY:
Oversees and coordinates programs/contracts to assure compliance with contractual requirements and management goals related to schedules, financial operations, technical performance, tracking and contract administration. Must be able to communicate, manage and influence in a matrix organization.
  
JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Manage correspondence and terms of contractual nature for each program to be sent to customers for their review and approvals as negotiated by the company as well as initial coordination with sales/marketing personnel.
  • Ability to deliver both good and bad news to the customer as it relates to the delivery of the products.
  • Review financial and legal clauses, terms and conditions of contracts for company impact.
  • Represent the company in the administration of new and follow up on contracts, changes or amendments.
  • Maintain excellent customer relations by ensuring excellent customer service and support, full communication with customers at all times is a MUST, delivery and follow up, etc.
  • Based on information guidance and review of designs, evaluating potential business opportunities for technical feasibility, potential risks, and technically sound approaches.
  • Communicates goals and directives from management staff and provides feedback to management from engineering department, acting as liaison between management staff and engineering departments.
  • Collaborates with manufacturing to ensure productivity and realize minimum cost production methods.
  • Directs creation of solutions to special problems discovered in testing.
  • Directs creation of solutions to technical problems discovered in fabrication or processing.
 
As Necessary, performs other related duties of which the above are representative.
 
Management must contact the Human Resource department of adding to or changing a significant number of duties.
 
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Justifications for Education and Training, Job Related Experience, and Knowledge/Abilities are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this job by the average incumbent.  Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.  
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
A bachelor’s degree in business or engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
 
MINIMUM DIRECTLY RELATED JOB EXPERIENCE:
Three to Seven (3 to 7) years of Aerospace experience.
 
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:
  • Knowledge of ISO 9000.
  • Knowledge of JIT.
  • Knowledge of project management techniques.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing/repair/overhaul of airline seats a plus.
  • Knowledge of estimating methods.
  • Ability to manage business crisis and work under a great deal of uncertainty or unpredictability.
  • Ability to create new principles.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • Able to read and comprehend documentation written in the English language.
  • Able to read component maintenance manuals (CMM’s).
 
PHYSICAL MOTION:
Walks at least 50% of each workday.  Other motions: standing; repetitive motion hand –wrist; sitting; fingering; grasping; feeling; hearing; talking; handling; seeing.
 
DEGREE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
Light work:  Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally.
 
VISUAL DEMANDS:
Color perception                                             
Depth perception
 
MENTAL PROCESSES:
  • Reason                        
  • Remembering                          
  • Problem solving                      
  • Writing
  • Planning                      
  • Scheduling                              
  • Compiling                               
  • Advising
  • Analyzing                    
  • Using Mathematics                 
  • Combining Information          
  • Organizational skills   
  • Sense of urgency                     
  • Attention to detail
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Inside work (Shop environment)                    
  • Noise
     
EQUIPMENT:
  • Computer hardware and software.                  
  • Database management software.