Program Manager (aerospace & defense)

CMI Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CMI Group in Tempe, AZ seeks an experienced Program Manager to drive profitable growth by serving as the primary customer interface across the full program lifecycle—from capture to delivery. You will lead customer-facing initiatives, oversee orders, manage risks, and provide routine reporting to protect cost and schedule while expanding revenue within existing accounts.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace/defense projects, strong negotiations, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing customer-facing programs in aerospace/defense manufacturing.
• Proven experience negotiating contracts, pricing, and terms with aerospace customers.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of pricing, cost analysis, and revenue growth opportunities.
• Onsite role based in Tempe, Arizona; occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned customers with strong relationships and regular engagement.
• Identify and pursue additional customer content and revenue opportunities.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to secure favorable company positions.
• Monitor and report on account performance, risks, and corrective actions.
• Lead risk, scope, and change management with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain documentation on program performance, pricing, risks, and changes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, policies and ethical standards.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Customer-facing programs

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in program management or related field

PMI/PMP or CCM/CPCM/CFCM certification preferred

Job description

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

On-Site required in Tempe, AZ

Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.

Summary

The Program Manager drives profitable growth for the business by serving as the primary customer interface across the full program lifecycle - from new business capture through order intake, production, and on-time delivery.leads customer-facing initiatives and oversees orders from intake through delivery to ensure strong performance and satisfaction. This role manages account health, negotiates contracts and commercial terms to protect the company's cost and schedule position, resolves business and technical issues, manages program risks, controls scope and change requests, and provides clear, routine reporting on production and performance. The Program Manager will also proactively identify, pursue, and close additional customer content to expand revenue and market share on existing accounts.Through proactive communication and collaboration across teams, the Program Manager maintains alignment with customer requirements and identifies opportunities to grow revenue and improve gross margin within existing accounts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned customers, maintaining strong relationships through regular communication, scheduled visits, and customer engagement events.
• Identify and pursue additional customer content
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms and conditions with customers to secure the most favorable position for the company.
• Monitor and report on account performance, providing metrics, identifying risks, resolving issues, and recommending corrective actions.
• Lead risk, scope, and change management activities by assessing impacts, securing approvals, and ensuring proper implementation.
• Identify and pursue additional revenue opportunities by understanding customer needs and presenting solutions.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation related to program performance, customer communication, pricing, risks, and changes.
• Adhere to company policies, safety requirements, and ethical standards.

Required Qualifications

• 5 + years of experience managing customer-facing programs or projects in aerospace or technical defense precision manufacturing, ideally in a build-to-print machine shop environment, including order management and reporting.
• Proven experience negotiating commercial contracts, pricing agreements, and terms and conditions with aerospace customers.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze issues, negotiate solutions, and resolve disputes professionally.
• Knowledge of pricing, cost analysis, financial evaluation, and revenue growth opportunities.
• Experience with customer visits, presentations, and relationship development.
• Familiarity with risk management, scope control, configuration management, and engineering change processes.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple complex tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Bachelor's degree in program management or related field, or nationally recognized certification in program management (PMP, PMI, CPCM, CFCM or CCM) preferred.
• Onsite role based in Tempe, Arizona.
• Work primarily performed in a professional office environment with periodic visits to production or engineering areas.
• Customer interactions may occur at their facilities, corporate offices, or other professional locations.
• Occasional travel to customer sites or company facilities may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer or during meetings.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
• Occasional movement within office and manufacturing areas may be required to attend meetings or review production activity.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally, such as carrying files or a laptop, if needed.
• Ability to travel by car or air for scheduled customer visits, as required by the role.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs.