Aerospace & Defense Program Manager (Sourcing & PM)

NPAworldwide; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide in Rockford, IL seeks a program leader to plan, source, quote and coordinate electronic and electromechanical components for aerospace and defense, owning supplier engagement, cost control and ontime delivery.

You'll work with Tier 1 OEMs, monitor avionics trends, set pricing, assess lead times, manage schedules and budgets, and coordinate with engineering, quality and manufacturing to ensure regulatory compliance. Strong negotiation and ERP experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience managing programs involving electronic components, PCBs, harnesses, or electromechanical assemblies in aerospace/defense.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Background in procurement, supply chain, or engineering in aerospace/defense.
• Familiarity with military standards, export controls, and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identify and capture new opportunities within commercial and military sectors.
• Act as the face of the company for Tier 1 OEMs and military procurement officers.
• Monitor industry trends in avionics and electromechanical systems to anticipate customer needs.
• Develop competitive pricing models by calculating labor, material costs, and overhead while maintaining target margins.
• Evaluate lead times and technical feasibility, especially for obsolete or 'hard-to-find' electronic components.
• Manage schedules, deliverables, risks, and budgets for assigned hardware programs involving electronic and electromechanical parts and assemblies.
• Develop material plans, longlead strategies, and procurement roadmaps aligned with engineering, production, and customer requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers capable of meeting commercial and military standards; drive competitive quoting, cost negotiations, and contract alignment.
• Analyze RFQs. Work as an engineer with the team to create and interpret drawings, specifications, BOMs, and change notices; ensure suppliers understand technical requirements and manufacturability constraints.
• Prepare RFQs, analyze supplier proposals, perform cost breakdowns, and recommend sourcing decisions based on price, lead time, capability, and compliance.
• Ensure materials and suppliers meet applicable regulatory and customer requirements, including ITAR, DFARS, MILSTD, RoHS, FAA, AS9100 and quality system standards.
• Lead rootcause investigations for supplier issues, delivery risks, or engineering changes; drive corrective actions and maintain program continuity.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality, supply chain, contracts, and manufacturing to maintain alignment and resolve obstacles throughout the program lifecycle.
• Maintain program dashboards, procurement status, risk logs, and configuration control documentation; provide updates to leadership and customers.
• Identify opportunities to streamline sourcing workflows, reduce cost, improve supplier performance, and strengthen technical collaboration.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Sourcing & procurement

Technical coordination

RFQ analysis

ERP/MRP proficiency

Negotiation

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

BOM management

Project management tools

Job description

NPAworldwide in Rockford, IL seeks a program leader to plan, source, quote and coordinate electronic and electromechanical components for aerospace and defense, owning supplier engagement, cost control and ontime delivery.

You'll work with Tier 1 OEMs, monitor avionics trends, set pricing, assess lead times, manage schedules and budgets, and coordinate with engineering, quality and manufacturing to ensure regulatory compliance. Strong negotiation and ERP experience are essential.