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Manager, Program Management - Development Programs

Astronics AES is seeking an exceptional Manager, Program Management to lead our Airborne Power & Control (APC) Development Programs. This role combines technical expertise, people leadership, and program management to advance aerospace power generation, conversion, and distribution in a highly collaborative, innovative environment.

Job Summary

The Manager, Development Programs (MDP) is responsible for positioning Astronics AES as a recognized leader in aircraft electrical power systems for small to mid-sized business jets, UAVs, and rotorcraft. This role leads a team of program managers, drives execution of complex development programs, and partners with senior leadership to shape the strategic direction of the Airborne Power business.

Key Responsibilities

1. Performance Management and Coaching
   Lead, coach, and develop a team of development program managers. Set clear expectations, provide resources, solicit and act on feedback, and hold the team accountable for achieving business outcomes. Reinforce effective actions, eliminate non-value-added activity, and foster collaboration across the organization.
2. Growth and Mentorship
   Build and develop talent within the Program Management organization. Encourage new ideas, give employees a voice, and recognize contributions. Communicate the company vision, share networks and best practices, and drive high levels of engagement. Support career growth through mentorship, training, and strategic work assignments.
3. Senior Leadership
   Serve as a key leader in the Airborne Power business and on the Airborne Power & Control Program Management leadership team. Provide a strong cultural and leadership presence, contributing to business strategy and long-term direction for development programs.
4. Program Leadership
   Lead complex product development programs from inception through production in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Use strong communication, problem-solving, technical decision-making, and disciplined project management to:
   • Build collaborative relationships with technical teams
   • Meet customer expectations and technical performance requirements
   • Achieve schedule milestones, NRE budgets, and recurring cost targets

In addition to directly leading programs, oversee the performance of programs managed by direct reports. Success is measured through semi-annual major project performance reviews and monthly program reviews with senior management.

1. Customer Management and Contract Negotiation
   Build and manage strong relationships with external customers to reduce risk and ensure program success. Lead or oversee communications, expectation-setting, and negotiation of contracts and engineering change requests, particularly around technical changes and scope creep, to prevent NRE overruns and schedule slips. Success is evaluated through semi-annual project performance reviews.
2. Cross-Functional Communication
   Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with engineering, operations, senior leadership, and external customers. Provide clear direction, plans, decisions, status, and issue resolution using email, formal correspondence, PowerPoint presentations, and MS Project as appropriate. Success is demonstrated through clear, concise monthly program reviews for senior management and quarterly performance reviews for customers.
3. Quality and Continuous Improvement
   Support and, when assigned, lead quality and continuous improvement initiatives within the development program management group. This includes process and procedure improvements, cost reduction efforts, and schedule efficiency enhancements. Work with the Director of Program Management to define key initiatives and deliver them on time and within budget.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline. MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of Program Management / Project Engineering experience in aerospace engineering development projects.

Eligibility Requirements

• This role may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-controls laws or other applicable U.S.-government legal or contractual requirements. To assess whether any licenses, authorizations, or other exceptions are required, please indicate below whether you are a U.S. Person. If you are not a U.S. Person, the company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary. This information is collected solely for this compliance purpose.
• An offer of employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background screen and drug test, including cannabis screening.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $132,983 – $199,474 annually (Midpoint: $166,228).
  Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonuses also apply.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; optional critical illness and accident coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work–Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.