Program Manager

TRC Talent Solutions is partnering with an innovative aerospace and defense manufacturer that designs and produces advanced small turbojet engines used in unmanned aircraft, drone, and missile platforms. As the organization continues to scale operations, expand facilities, and launch new programs, they are seeking a Program Manager to lead critical development, sustainment, and operational initiatives.

Summary

The Program Manager will lead cross-functional aerospace programs from concept through production and sustainment. This role combines technical program leadership with business operations oversight, serving as a key liaison between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, executive leadership, and customers. The ideal candidate brings experience managing complex aerospace or defense programs, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can successfully balance technical, operational, and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of aerospace development, sustainment, and R&D programs

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

• Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned government and commercial programs

• Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations teams

• Track program performance using KPIs, Earned Value Management (EVM), and financial reporting tools

• Manage program risks, issue resolution, and recovery plans

• Ensure compliance with aerospace, defense, regulatory, and contractual requirements

• Drive new product development efforts from concept, prototyping, and qualification through production readiness

• Support proposal development, cost estimating, statements of work, and customer presentations

• Align technical milestones and business objectives with R&D and product development initiatives

• Support operational scaling, production ramp-up activities, and strategic growth initiatives

• Assist with facility expansion planning, capital equipment implementation, and contractor coordination

• Provide regular program updates and executive-level reporting to leadership teams

• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships while ensuring successful program execution

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field

• 7+ years of aerospace or defense industry experience

• 3+ years of program management experience leading technical programs

• Strong understanding of aerospace product lifecycles including design, qualification, production, and support

• Hands-on experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), project scheduling, and financial tracking

• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or similar platforms

• Knowledge of aerospace and defense regulations, including DFARS, ITAR, and related compliance requirements

• Experience working with government and commercial customers

• Experience supporting manufacturing operations, production scaling, or facility expansion initiatives preferred

• Lean manufacturing, operations improvement, or startup/growth environment experience preferred

TRC Talent Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. At TRC, we take pride in fulfilling our opportunity to add value to our client's business as their staffing partner, while working tirelessly to connect thousands of individuals each year with work opportunities where they can meet the needs of their families and have the potential to build their careers.