Program Manager

Job Description

About Us:
PBS Aerospace is a designer and manufacturer of world-class small turbojet engines. These engines provide superior power-to-weight ratios with low fuel consumption making them the preferred choice for advanced US Department of Defense drone and missile systems. PBS Aerospace is standing up a new high volume manufacturing facility and looking for highly talented personnel to grow with us. If you enjoy working with a small and fast-moving team on the world's most cutting-edge aerospace systems, we invite you to apply and make a significant impact.
Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly driven and versatile Program Manager to lead and oversee programs of best-in-class small turbine engines. This role combines technical program leadership with cross-functional business oversight. The Program Manager will be responsible for sustainment programs, new product development (NPD), R&D initiatives, and will play a critical role in supporting business operations and facility expansion efforts.
This is a hands-on leadership position ideal for a candidate who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, and evolving environment where innovation, growth, and execution are key.

- Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of sustainment, development, and R&D programs across the turbine engine portfolio

- Define and manage program scope, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and risks

- Interface with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customer teams to ensure program success

- Serve as the primary point of contact for government and commercial customers for assigned programs

- Ensure compliance with applicable defense and aerospace regulations and customer contract requirements

- Track earned value metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and report regularly to executive leadership

- Monitor lifecycle performance, warranty support, and component obsolescence strategies

- Drive development programs from concept through prototyping, qualification, and production readiness

- Support proposal development, statement of work (SOW) definition, and cost estimates for advanced technologies and future products

- Coordinate with R&D teams to align technical milestones with business objectives and program goals

- Support strategic planning, capacity analysis, and scaling of operations to support production ramp-up and new program launches

- Assist in managing site expansion, including facility layout, capital equipment planning, and supplier/contractor oversight

- Collaborate with finance, supply chain, HR, and IT to align operational infrastructure with business needs

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field; Master’s degree or PMP certification a plus

- 7+ years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing, with 3+ years in program management roles

- Hands-on experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project), and financial tracking systems

- Proven experience managing complex development and/or sustainment programs with technical and operational components

- Strong knowledge of aerospace program lifecycle (design, prototyping, qualification, production, sustainment)

- Familiarity with DoD/FAA program structures, contracting, and compliance (e.g., DFARS, ITAR)

- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple concurrent initiatives

- Background in lean manufacturing, operations scaling, or facility startup

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment with evolving priorities and resource constraints

- Due to the nature of PBS Aerospace’s business as a defense contractor, this position is limited to U.S. citizens, as defined under applicable federal regulations.

- Opportunity to build and shape cutting-edge aerospace technology in a high-growth environment

- Competitive salary and full benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

- Collaborative and dynamic work culture with high visibility and direct impact on company growth

PBS Aerospace is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (protected class) including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, age, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state or local laws and ordinances. We adhere to these commitments in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, and discipline.