Program Manager

North-Wind,-Inc.; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind is seeking a seasoned Program Manager in Minnesota to lead wind tunnel test facility design and build within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment. This role reports to senior management and requires coordinating across engineering, procurement, and field teams.

You will oversee proposals through commissioning, manage budgets, coordinate with customers and subcontractors, and ensure on-time, within-cost performance in aerospace R&D programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience as a Program Manager.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills; leadership experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and MS-Project.
• Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, multi-priority environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to develop quick rapport with customers and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with aerospace R&D test products and wind tunnel programs.
• U.S. Persons per ITAR restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Lead program teams to achieve objectives, manage risks, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Manage budget to maintain profitability; oversee milestone invoicing and status reporting.
• Drive cross-functional coordination; serve as focal point with customers, suppliers, and contractors.
• Establish project plans for requirements, resources, cost, and risk using contracts.
• Interface with customers in reviews; communicate program status up to senior management.
• Clarify contract requirements, negotiate changes, and secure acceptance.
• Incorporate customer needs into project planning and execution.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Analytical thinking

Client rapport

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS-Project)

Job description

Program Manager

Full Time Professional Minnesota FLM St Paul, MN, US

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting‑edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high‑speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission‑critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us. Satellite engineering offices across the US are available, so location constraints are potentially flexible.

Summary

North Wind is seeking Program Management candidates that are responsible for the overall design and build of individual wind tunnel test facilities, which are part of a larger campus. This is a highly collaborative role requiring coordination with other internal program managers, engineering disciplines, and technical oversight of design and construction subcontractors. This role spans all project phases, including proposal, design, construction, post‑construction validation, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead program teams to achieve key program objectives (effective project planning, financial performance, on‑time delivery, technical performance, configuration management, and customer satisfaction), while identifying and managing risks and opportunities. Monitor and control project progress to ensure timely resolution of project issues, scope management, and delivery within the contractual period of performance.
• Successfully manage program budget to ensure profitability is achieved or exceeded. Ensure milestone payments are invoiced on time. Report financial and technical status to the senior management team as required.
• Drive cross‑functional teams to ensure overall project coordination. Serve as the communication focal point for external customers, internal teams, management, suppliers, and subcontractors for each assigned project. Verify that all contractual deliverables are understood, coordinated, and delivered on time.
• Establish a project plan for fulfillment of customer requirements, resource management, cost, and project risk using the customer PO, contract, and company proposal.
• Interface directly with customers and key stakeholders in periodic program reviews. Create effective communication chains to efficiently convey program status at all levels.
• Understand and clarify contract requirements, negotiate changes, and achieve contractual acceptance/completion.
• Effectively identify customer needs and incorporate them into project planning activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience as a Program Manager or similar role.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, proven leadership experience with a coaching/mentorship mindset.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS‑Project).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to develop quick rapport with current and prospective clients.
• General familiarity with aerospace research and development test products such as wind tunnel models, flight test articles, gas turbine test engines, and other prototype devices.
• Due to U.S. State Department restrictions on access to technology, candidates must be “U.S. Persons” as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Preferred Qualifications

• U.S. Government contracting experience.
• Experience in the design, maintenance, and operation of wind tunnels.
• Construction management and development.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports a safe and drug‑free workplace through pre‑employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.