Program Manager

North Wind; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind is seeking a Program Manager to oversee the design and build of wind tunnel facilities within a broader campus, coordinating with engineering and management teams.

The role spans proposal through commissioning and requires strong leadership, effective communication, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Aerospace test expertise and ITAR familiarity are valued as North Wind advances hypersonic innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of program management experience.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with mentoring mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS-Project).

Responsibilities

• Lead program teams to meet objectives: planning, budget, on-time delivery, and risk management.
• Manage budgets, ensure milestone invoicing and report status to leadership.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and liaison with customers and suppliers.
• Create project plans for customer requirements, resources, cost, and risk.
• Engage with customers in program reviews and communicate status to executives.
• Clarify contract requirements and incorporate changes into plans.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder management

Aerospace knowledge

MS Office

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Office suite

Job description

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, part of a larger campus. This highly collaborative role requires coordination with other internal program managers, engineering disciplines and technical oversight of design and construction subcontractors. The 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 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 customer 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, achieve contractual acceptance / completion.
• Effectively identify customer needs and incorporate 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 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 ITAR.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

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.