Program Manager – Aerospace Projects

Emagine Solutions FZE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An international aerospace company is seeking a seasoned Program Manager in Abu Dhabi to lead high-profile aerospace projects. You will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of complex programmes, ensuring they meet technical and regulatory standards. Ideal candidates have 8-12+ years in program management within aerospace or defense, possess strong communication skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a technical field. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years’ experience in program/project management within aerospace, defense, or complex engineering environments.
• Proven track record delivering large, multi-stakeholder programmes on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems, defense projects, or mission-critical technology programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and governance of aerospace programmes.
• Define programme scope, milestones, budgets, and risk management plans.
• Monitor programme performance using clear KPIs.

Skills

Program management experience

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communication skills

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's or MBA

Job description

An international aerospace player is expanding its footprint in the UAE and is looking for a seasoned Program Manager to lead high-profile aerospace projects from Abu Dhabi.

This is a career-defining opportunity to sit at the intersection of technology, defence, and national infrastructure driving programmes that directly shape the future of aerospace capability in the region.

You will own the end-to-end delivery of complex aerospace programmes – ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest technical and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and governance of multi-million AED aerospace programmes from concept through to delivery and sustainment.
• Act as the primary interface between internal engineering teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders (customers, partners, suppliers, and regulators).
• Define programme scope, milestones, budgets, and risk management plans – and keep all stakeholders aligned.
• Drive cross-functional coordination across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams.
• Monitor programme performance using clear KPIs, reporting status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior management and customers.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace, defence, and safety standards and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Lead change management, configuration control, and contract management activities across the programme lifecycle.

Skills

Who We’re Looking For

You’re a structured, calm-in-the-chaos program leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments. You understand the technical depth of aerospace projects and can translate that into clear plans, decisions, and outcomes.

Must-haves

• 8–12+ years’ experience in program / project management within aerospace, defence, aviation, or complex engineering environments.
• Proven track record delivering large, multi-stakeholder programmes on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems, defence projects, or mission-critical technology programmes.
• Solid experience with program governance, risk management, and stakeholder management at senior levels.
• Strong commercial acumen – able to manage contracts, scope changes, and commercial implications.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfortable interfacing with customers, partners, and internal leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related technical field (Master’s or MBA is a plus).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with or for major aerospace/defence organisations (e.g. Thales, Collins, Airbus, Lockheed, etc.).
• Familiarity with UAE / GCC defence or government projects.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent.
• Experience in systems engineering environments and/or integrated product teams (IPTs).

Location & Package

• Base: Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Salary: 55,000 – 62,000 AED per month (depending on experience and programme complexity managed)

You’ll be joining a high-calibre, mission-driven team working on strategic aerospace programmes with real national significance, backed by a global organisation with deep technical expertise and long-term vision.