Aviation Project Manager - New Aircraft Development

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a forward-thinking aerospace firm, seeks an experienced Aviation Project Manager for a fully remote contract to lead a new aircraft development program from conception through initial phases.

You will plan, execute, and deliver on time and within budget, manage cross-functional remote teams, define scope, and ensure stakeholder satisfaction, leveraging your deep knowledge of aircraft development lifecycles and PMP-aligned methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering; MBA a plus.
• 10+ years of project management experience in aerospace/aviation.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft design and systems integration.
• Experience with Agile and Waterfall methodologies; proficient with MS Project and Jira.
• Proven ability to lead distributed/remote teams and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables for the new aircraft development program.
• Develop detailed project plans with timelines, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Lead remote, cross-functional teams across engineering, design, and manufacturing.
• Manage execution, monitor progress, and mitigate risks and issues.
• Ensure clear communication among team members and stakeholders via virtual channels.
• Oversee integration of aircraft systems and components.
• Manage vendor relationships and procure resources and services.
• Prepare and present regular status reports to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with aviation standards and regulations.
• Facilitate reviews and decision-making in a remote environment.

Skills

Aviation PM

Remote leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Budget mgmt

Risk mgmt

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

MBA or equivalent

PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking aerospace firm specializing in innovative aircraft design, is seeking an experienced Aviation Project Manager to lead a new aircraft development program. This is a fully remote, contract position offering the opportunity to manage a high-profile project from conception through to its initial phases. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and delivering the project on time and within budget, managing cross-functional teams, defining project scope, and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of aircraft development lifecycles, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects in a remote setting. We are looking for a highly organized, proactive, and results-oriented individual passionate about advancing aviation technology. This role emphasizes clear communication, strategic planning, and effective virtual team collaboration. As a remote-first role, we provide robust tools and communication channels to ensure seamless project management.

Key Responsibilities

Define project scope, goals, and deliverables for the new aircraft development program. Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and budget management. Lead and motivate remote, cross-functional project teams, including engineering, design, and manufacturing disciplines. Manage project execution, track progress, and identify and mitigate potential risks and issues. Ensure effective communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders through virtual channels. Oversee the integration of various aircraft systems and components. Manage vendor relationships and procure necessary resources and services. Prepare and present regular project status reports to senior management and stakeholders. Ensure compliance with all relevant aviation industry standards and regulations. Facilitate project reviews and decision-making processes in a remote environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent is a plus. Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management within the aerospace or aviation industry. Proven track record of successfully managing complex aircraft development or manufacturing projects. Strong understanding of aircraft design, systems integration, and the aircraft development lifecycle. Expertise in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira). Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage distributed/remote teams effectively. Experience with contract management and vendor relations. PMP or equivalent project management certification is highly desirable. Strong financial acumen and experience managing project budgets.

Benefits

This contract position offers a competitive, project-based remuneration package, reflecting the senior level and remote nature of the role. While not a traditional employee role, opportunities for significant professional engagement and networking within the aerospace industry are provided. Our client values efficient remote work and provides necessary support for a productive home office setup. This role offers the flexibility and autonomy inherent in a fully remote position, allowing for a dynamic work-life integration. You will be instrumental in a pioneering project within the aviation sector, contributing to significant industry advancements. As a contractor, you gain exposure to cutting-edge projects and innovative company cultures without geographical limitations.