Senior Avionics Programs Lead - Secret Clearance, Travel

Fairwinds Technologies; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead a major airborne communications modernization program. The role demands proven leadership in avionics integration and defense program execution with responsibility for technical, cost, and schedule performance.

You will direct multidisciplinary teams across aircraft modification, systems integration, testing, certification, cybersecurity, logistics, and sustainment in a supervisory defense environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Avionics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• PMP and/or DAWIA certification, preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, military aviation, or aircraft modernization programs.
• 10+ years leading complex avionics, aircraft integration, or defense acquisition programs.
• Demonstrated success managing aircraft integration efforts from design through testing, certification, and delivery.
• Experience leading large engineering and systems integration teams supporting government customers valued $35M+.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and project scheduling tools.
• Strong understanding of avionics systems, aircraft integration, systems engineering, flight testing, certification, and defense acquisition processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem‑solving, and customer relationship management skills.
• Experience with AWACS, ISR, C2, airborne communications, or large aircraft mission systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of program execution and serve as the primary authority for cost, schedule, technical, contractual, and operational performance.
• Develop program strategies, priorities, execution plans, and performance objectives.
• Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), subcontractors, and partner organizations to achieve program goals.
• Ensure successful delivery of aircraft modifications and associated systems in accordance with contractual and customer requirements.
• Direct integration of avionics, communications, mission systems, software, and hardware into existing aircraft platforms.
• Provide leadership for systems engineering activities, requirements management, verification, validation, and technical reviews.
• Oversee aircraft modification efforts, system interoperability, and technical performance throughout the program lifecycle.
• Support airworthiness certification, flight release, ground testing, and flight test activities.
• Monitor program performance using established management processes, metrics, and Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
• Lead program risk identification, mitigation planning, issue resolution, and recovery actions.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, configuration management, and government acquisition requirements.
• Maintain alignment between technical execution, contractual commitments, and customer expectations.
• Serve as the senior interface with government, industry, and international stakeholders.
• Lead program reviews, customer briefings, and executive presentations.
• Communicate program status, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Foster strong relationships with customers, partners, and cross‑functional teams.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in a complex defense environment.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and mission success.
• Support staff development and leadership growth across the program organization.

Job description

Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead a major airborne communications modernization program. The role demands proven leadership in avionics integration and defense program execution with responsibility for technical, cost, and schedule performance.

You will direct multidisciplinary teams across aircraft modification, systems integration, testing, certification, cybersecurity, logistics, and sustainment in a supervisory defense environment.