Senior Program Advisor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

Summary

Serves as the primary point of contact for all communication with assigned customers and acts as their internal advocate for the design, installation and certification of Communications, Navigation, Connectivity, and In-Flight Entertainment systems onboard commercial aircraft. Develops creative solutions to solve problems that may arise that would threaten program dates or profitability and provides timely alerts Senior Management when risks may be realized. Coordinates and tracks Program Change Requests, facilitates commercial agreements, creates and tracks purchase orders, monitors and manages program budgets. Coordinates resource planning/allocation with resource owners. Efficiently manages multiple, and often competing, large or otherwise complex program schedules and their deliverables.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following, other duties as may be required from time-to-time.

• Act as the high-level, comprehensive owner of assigned projects
• Serve as the focal point and first line of contact with the customer. Communicate deliverables, deadlines, data requests, project updates, etc. in a timely and effective manner to internal and external customers
• Facilitate distribution of technical data and customer inquiries with technical members of project team
• Manage, track, and hold team members accountable for deadlines, milestones, action items, and deliverables for all facets – engineering, certification and analysis – of multiple, concurrent projects working in a horizontal, matrix-based organizational structure
• Monitor the document generation, review, release and approval processes for each deliverable
• Assist in resource planning based on project deliverable needs and work scope
• Create and manage design requirements for project customer deliverables, and use these design requirements to keep technical team apprised of system design requirements as well as to manage scope creep
• Facilitate inter-department communication and deliverable/data handoff via trigger points at pertinent project milestones
• Manage commercial agreements and the associated process, work with the customer to define the scope of work, design requirements, generate requests for quotes, communicate the commercial proposal, and secure, track and manage purchase orders
• Act as a real time problem solver with the customer, serve in consulting-style role in the early stages of the business relationship by setting expectations, troubleshooting problems, and addressing potential customer concerns/questions
• Provide market feedback to the internal stakeholders within the company to facilitate visibility to market trends/shifts in technology
• Manage and maintain the design requirements for each project, communicate changes to team members and advise customers of the impact to changes in design
• Keep dates updated
• Identify needs for process improvement
• Drive consistency

Document/Deliverable Responsibilities

• Project Milestone/Schedule Tracking
• Project Risk Register/Risk Tracking
• Project Action Item Tracking
• Project Deliverable Tracking
• Commercial Agreements (e.g. Proposals, Program Change Requests)
• Design Requirement Summaries
• Initial Technical Coordination Meeting (ITCM) and Design Review Presentations
• Project Status Updates
• Project Design Requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, or in a related technical and/or equivalent field, or a minimum of 10 years of related industry experience
• Expertise in Microsoft Project
• Prior successful technical program management experience on complex projects with multiple, competing and concurrent deliverables
• Experience in a relevant and related design, analysis or certification engineering role

Preferred:

• Five-plus years of experience in the aviation/aerospace industry
• Formal program management qualification/certification
• Familiarity and/or experience with electrical/mechanical design
• Familiarity and/or experience developing piece-part, assembly and/or installation models and drawings
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of electronic equipment.

Astronics CSC offers a competitive benefit package which is available to full-time employees. Part-time employees may be eligible on a pro-rated basis for the benefits listed.

• Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
• Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
• Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.

The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $112,377.00 to $168,565.00 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.

Accommodation Request

Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC.HR@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.