Job Overview The Senior Program Manager leads the planning, execution, and delivery of IRAD, CRAD, and advanced development programs across the company's product portfolio. This role serves as the single point of accountability for Cost, Schedule, and Performance (CSP), driving cross-functional execution through the Design-Build-Test-Evaluate (DBTE) lifecycle while balancing technical risk, resource constraints, customer requirements, and strategic business objectives. The Senior Program Manager integrates efforts across engineering, business development, operations, supply chain, finance, manufacturing, and flight test to deliver executable development roadmaps, mature technologies, achieve program milestones, and transition capabilities into production and customer-funded programs. Essential Functions * Own full Cost, Schedule, and Performance (CSP) responsibility for assigned IRAD and CRAD programs, ensuring successful execution against technical objectives, funding profiles, and strategic business goals. * Lead cross-functional execution of RDT&E programs through the DBTE lifecycle, integrating engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, test, and operational activities into a cohesive program plan. * Develop and maintain program execution strategies, Integrated Master Plans (IMP), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), risk management plans, resource forecasts, and funding strategies that support successful capability delivery. * Establish program baselines and monitor performance against cost, schedule, technical, and operational objectives, implementing corrective actions when deviations occur. * Lead program reviews, technical interchange meetings, milestone reviews, design reviews, and executive status briefings, communicating program health, risks, opportunities, and recovery strategies. * Partner with engineering leadership to define development priorities, manage technical trade studies, and balance performance, schedule, cost, manufacturability, and operational considerations throughout development. * Drive risk and opportunity management activities, identifying potential impacts to cost, schedule, technical performance, manufacturing readiness, and customer commitments while developing executable mitigation plans. * Coordinate development, integration, test, and evaluation activities to ensure program objectives, readiness criteria, and technical exit criteria are achieved. * Partner with finance to develop and manage program budgets, burn plans, Estimates at Completion (EAC), staffing forecasts, and investment strategies supporting IRAD and CRAD execution. * Partner with supply chain, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure material availability, prototype builds, test assets, facilities, and critical resources are aligned to program execution timelines. * Support business development activities, capture efforts, customer engagements, proposal development, and transition strategies that leverage internally funded capabilities into production and revenue-generating programs. * Develop and maintain strong customer relationships, serving as the primary interface for program execution, issue resolution, status reporting, and strategic alignment. * Interpret, develop, and manage Statements of Work (SOW), Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), and related program documentation, ensuring technical execution, scope, deliverables, and program resources remain aligned with contractual and business objectives. * Provide leadership and direction to Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), ensuring accountability, collaboration, and disciplined execution across all program stakeholders. * Perform other duties as required. * Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule]. * Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices. * Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture. Qualifications and Competencies   * Strong understanding of Cost, Schedule, and Performance (CSP) management principles within aerospace, defense, or advanced technology development environments. * Strong knowledge of Integrated Master Planning (IMP), Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS), risk management, resource planning, and program controls. * Working knowledge of RDT&E program execution, technology maturation, and iterative development methodologies. * Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), schedule performance metrics, risk-adjusted forecasting, and program performance reporting. * Strong understanding of Statements of Work (SOW), contractual requirements, deliverable management, scope control, and change management within government and commercial development programs. * Strong understanding of engineering development processes, including system integration, prototyping, verification, validation, test execution, and manufacturing readiness. * Ability to evaluate technical, schedule, cost, and operational tradeoffs and make data-driven decisions in dynamic development environments. * Strong executive communication and presentation skills, including the ability to brief customers, senior leadership, and technical stakeholders. * Demonstrated ability to lead and influence matrixed organizations without direct authority. * Proficiency with program management and collaboration tools, including MS Project, Jira, Confluence, ERP/MRP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Leadership Competencies * Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department. * Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent. * Champions AEVEX's culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. * Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities. * Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management. * Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication. * Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX's policies and procedures. Education / Certifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Program Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered. Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification or DAWIA Level 2 required Experience * 10+ years of program management experience supporting aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, aviation, robotics, or advanced technology programs. * Demonstrated success leading RDT&E programs through iterative design, prototyping, integration, test, and evaluation activities. * Demonstrated success leading IRAD, CRAD, prototype, or advanced development programs with responsibility for full Cost, Schedule, and Performance (CSP) outcomes. * Experience managing technology maturation efforts from concept development through flight test, operational demonstration, and transition to production or customer-funded programs. * Experience developing, negotiating, interpreting, and executing Statements of Work (SOW) and technical program requirements for government, commercial, or internally funded development efforts. * Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through development, integration, test, and operational demonstrations. * Experience briefing executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders on program status, risks, opportunities, and strategic direction. * Experience transitioning development efforts into production, fielding, or customer-funded programs preferred. * Experience managing program budgets, burn plans, Estimates at Completion (EAC), staffing forecasts, and funding profiles. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Physical Requirements * Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment * Frequently required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers Note: * For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time. Security Clearance * Current Secret Clearance with ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required. Disclaimer AEVEX Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.   About AEVEX  AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.     AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.   Equal Employment Opportunity: AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.