Aviation Program Manager - Manufacturing

JOB TITLE: Aviation Program Manager - Manufacturing
LOCATION: Columbia, MO
SALARY: $80,000-85,000/year

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Direct Hire

• Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

• Benefits:

  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Paid time off.

  • Life insurance coverage.

  • 401(k) with company match.

Qualifying Questions:

• Are you a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined under ITAR regulations?

• Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

• Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary:

• Lead Product Development (PD) and recurring Production Run (PR) programs for key customers.

• Review contracts and purchase orders in collaboration with senior management, engineering, and production teams.

• Gather customer product and technical requirements and communicate capabilities and limitations.

• Present product development prototype results and support transitions into recurring production using MS PowerPoint.

• Develop an understanding of OHP manufacturing processes to create build plans and conduct risk assessments.

• Coordinate with engineering and manufacturing teams to establish lead times and ensure timely contract deliverables.

• Maintain project schedules and Gantt charts, communicating updates and timeline adjustments with customers as needed.

• Facilitate customer action items, meeting minutes, and cross-functional communication.

• Support ERP system improvements and integration into operational processes.

• Assist manufacturing teams in optimizing materials, processes, and supply chains.

• Support procurement activities, including bill of materials and manufacturing processes.

• Lead customer communications for troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and technical support.

• Ensure quality assurance and compliance with DV&T and AS9100 requirements, including creation of required documentation.

• Represent at customer meetings, web conferences, technical workshops, and tradeshows.

• Track project spending, support invoicing, and address scope changes when applicable.

• Contribute to continuous process and facility improvements to support operational growth and innovation.

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Engineering, or a related technical field required.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program or project management.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and schematics.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Understanding of PDM and ERP systems.

• Ability to pass a background check.

• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace or thermal-mechanical product development industries.

• Experience supporting air or spaceborne platform product development.

• Knowledge of manufacturing operations including CNC machining, brazing, bonding, TIG welding, and laser welding.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

Take your career to new heights—apply today!