Program Manager II

astronautics; Oak Creek (WI); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Astronautics, headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, seeks a Program Manager II to lead avionics development programs with strong cross-functional oversight and customer engagement. This hybrid on-site role reports to the Director, Avionics Solutions, and focuses on cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.

The role requires coordinating with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Contracts, and Quality, developing SOWs, and guiding teams through contract awards to program

Qualifications

• Two years of program management experience leading complex technical engineering development from contract award through completion.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk on complex development programs.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Finance, Contracts, and Quality.
• Customer-facing program management experience, preferably in government or commercial avionics.
• Strong leadership in matrixed organizations and integrated program teams.
• Aerospace industry risk management experience.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, negotiation, and communication capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including presenting to executive leadership and customers.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Knowledge of customer flow-down requirements and government regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated program teams responsible for avionics development programs from start to finish.
• Direct programs from contract award through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, technical, and performance requirements.
• Lead development of SOWs for outsourced work packages.
• Coordinate proposal efforts with compliance to RFPs.
• Analyze supplier and subcontractor proposals for cost, technical capability, risk, and delivery performance.
• Serve as primary contractual point of contact with customers for contracts and bid activities.
• Build and sustain relationships with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors to meet commitments.
• Define and manage program objectives, milestones, and roadmaps.
• Plan, track, and communicate status to executive leadership.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities across the program lifecycle.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Cost & schedule management

Technical risk management

Avionics/aviation domain knowledge

Executive communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

What You Will Do:

We are seeking an Program Manager II! In this role, you will serve as the primary interface between our customer, suppliers, and internal cross-functional teams, with full accountability for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction. This is a highly visible role with direct impact on program success and long-term customer relationships.

This hybrid on-site position is based at our Headquarters in Oak Creek, WI. You will report directly to the Director, Avionics Solutions.

How You Will Do it:

• Lead integrated program teams responsible for the successful execution of new and complex avionics development programs.
• Direct programs from contract award through completion, ensuring compliance with cost, schedule, technical, and performance requirements.
• Lead the development of Statements of Work (SOWs) for outsourced product development work packages.
• Serve as a team leader for proposal efforts, ensuring complete compliance with customer Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
• Analyze supplier and subcontractor proposals for cost, technical capability, risk, and delivery performance.
• Serve as the primary contractual point of contact with internal/ external customers for existing contracts and bid/ proposal activities.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure contractual, financial, technical, and schedule commitments are achieved.
• Define and manage technical and commercial program objectives, driving achievement of key milestones.
• Plan, track, and communicate program technical, schedule, financial, and risk status to executive leadership.
• Guide the development of program business strategies, technical roadmaps, and long-term customer engagement plans.
• Identify, evaluate, and actively manage risks and opportunities throughout the full program lifecycle.

What We Look For:

Required

• Minimum two years of program management experience leading complex technical engineering development efforts from contract award through program completion.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk on complex development programs.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Finance, Contracts, and Quality.
• Experience in customer-facing program management roles, preferably within the government and/or commercial avionics industry.
• Strong leadership skills in both matrixed organizations and integrated program team environments.
• Aerospace industry risk management experience required.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, negotiation, and communication capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to executive leadership and customers.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Working knowledge of customer flow-down requirements and experience ensuring compliance with government regulations.

Desired

• Master’s degree in engineering or an M.B.A. preferred.

Who We Are:

We are a team that designs computers, displays and electronic systems for aircraft of the future! At Astronautics, you will be part of a creative group of professionals who work on the cutting-edge of technology. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and the opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Astronautics, headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of secure avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. Key product areas include electronic primary flight and engine displays, connected aircraft and cyber solutions, electronic flight bags, and certified servers for airborne applications. Services include avionics system integration and custom software for critical applications. Since its founding in 1959, Astronautics has been providing trusted, reliable, and tailored solutions to help customers achieve mission success. Astronautics is the parent company of Kearfott Corporation, headquartered in Pine Brook, New Jersey.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.