Program Manager Defense Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Total Aviation Staffing is hiring a Program Manager – Helicopters for our client, a leading aviation and aerospace services organization supporting high-impact helicopter programs.

This role is ideal for an experienced aviation, military, or aerospace program manager with a strong background managing complex programs, coordinating cross-functional teams, supporting customer relationships, and overseeing program performance from planning through execution. You will manage helicopter-related programs valued between $3 million and $20 million annually, with a focus on State and Local government initiatives.

If you have prior military service, strong program management experience, and a background in helicopter operations, aviation services, National Guard aviation, or defense-related programs, this is a strong opportunity to step into a high-visibility leadership role.

As the Program Manager – Helicopters, you will oversee daily program execution, governance, budgets, stakeholder communication, subcontractor coordination, and overall program performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage day-to-day program activities throughout the full program lifecycle.
• Oversee helicopter program performance, execution, schedules, budgets, risks, and deliverables.
• Recommend and secure approval for program governance structures, including KPIs and performance metrics.
• Monitor program plans, budgets, and financial performance.
• Coordinate with Finance on significant budget changes, forecasts, and financial updates.
• Manage interconnected projects and ensure resources are aligned with program priorities.
• Coordinate internal teams, subcontractors, customers, and stakeholders to support successful program delivery.
• Maintain clear stakeholder communication and manage critical program documentation.
• Ensure program activities align with strategic goals, customer expectations, quality standards, and contractual requirements.
• Support business development efforts, including customer engagement, opportunity identification, and program growth.
• Assist with technical and cost proposal development.
• Oversee subcontractor deliverables and ensure performance expectations are met.
• Prepare reports, updates, and briefings for senior management.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, government requirements, and applicable contractual obligations.
• Travel domestically for tradeshows, customer visits, OEM meetings, and program-related engagements.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned aviation or military program leader who can manage complex moving parts without losing sight of the mission. You should be comfortable working with government customers, internal leadership, subcontractors, finance teams, technical teams, and OEM partners.

This role is a strong fit for someone who understands aviation program execution, military aviation culture, and the importance of disciplined communication, budget control, and stakeholder management. Helicopter programs do not run on vibes — they run on planning, accountability, and follow-through.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related business, aviation, technical, or management discipline.
• Equivalent experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Prior military service required.
• 10–12 years of military, aviation, aerospace, or program management experience.
• Experience managing complex programs, projects, budgets, customer relationships, and deliverables.
• Strong understanding of program lifecycle management, governance, KPIs, budgets, schedules, and risk management.
• Ability to support business development, proposal activity, customer engagement, and subcontractor oversight.
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with contract management systems, project management software, and Smartsheet.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 25%.
• Ability to obtain PMP certification within 24 months of hire.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• PMP certification.
• Senior-level National Guard aviation background.
• Active or Reserve component military experience.
• Helicopter operations, aviation sustainment, military aviation, or aerospace services experience.
• Experience managing State and Local government aviation programs.
• Experience working with OEMs, subcontractors, government customers, and defense-related stakeholders.
• Experience supporting programs valued between $3 million and $20 million annually.
• Background in technical and cost proposal development.
• Familiarity with government contracting, compliance requirements, and aerospace program reporting.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a military aviation or aerospace program management professional to lead meaningful helicopter programs and support complex customer requirements.

This opportunity offers:

• Leadership role managing helicopter programs valued between $3 million and $20 million annually
• Opportunity to support State and Local government aviation initiatives
• Exposure to OEMs, subcontractors, customers, and senior leadership
• Involvement in business development, proposals, and program growth
• Meaningful work in helicopter aviation, aerospace, and defense services
• Professional growth in a complex, mission-focused program environment
• Domestic travel for customer visits, tradeshows, and OEM engagement

This opportunity includes:

• 401(k) plan
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to support high-profile aerospace and helicopter programs
• Collaborative environment focused on execution, quality, and customer success

If you are an experienced Program Manager, Aviation Program Manager, Helicopter Program Manager, Military Aviation Leader, National Guard Aviation Professional, or Aerospace Program Management Professional looking for your next leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply today.

Total Aviation Staffing connects qualified aviation professionals with career opportunities across commercial aviation, business aviation, MRO, aerospace manufacturing, defense, helicopter operations, and aviation technology.