0119 - Program Manager

Manassas, VA
Full Time
Experienced

About Electra
From revolutionizing air travel with our sustainable eSTOL aircraft, to tackling critical climate science missions with our solar-powered stratospheric UAS, Electra builds airplanes that make sense. Our world-class team of engineers isn’t afraid to disrupt the status quo and we plan to change the world with modern ideas that challenge conventional thinking. Electra is a new aerospace company headquartered in Northern Virginia and we're on a quest to build a team of insanely talented people who want to do meaningful work.

Job Description
Electra is seeking a Program Manager to lead the development of the prototype 9-passenger hybrid electric eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft development. This is an incredible “hands-on” opportunity to lead all programmatic aspects of a cutting-edge development program.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions
The Program Manager is responsible for the successful technical, schedule, and cost performance of a major program, or multiple programs, through subordinate program/project managers in accordance with contract requirements and company policies, procedures, and guidelines. Acquires follow-on business associated with areas of responsibility and supports new business development by leading major proposals personally or through subordinate program/project managers. 

  • Work with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality functions as the program leadership team to develop and produce a safe manned aircraft that meets the program objectives within budget and schedule.
  • Prepare materials to support internal team alignment (i.e., program plan, all-hands, program reviews, etc.).
  • Responsible for meeting budget, schedule, and performance objectives and building a PMO team capable of managing the program.
  • Work hands-on with the team to solve problems. Provide leadership and mentorship to program team members to enable their success.
  • Lead the evaluation/selection of, negotiation with, and management of suppliers, subcontractors, and partners. Acts as a technical liaison with vendors.
  • Interface with customers, suppliers, partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure program alignment.
  • Lead the definition, preparation, and presentation of program deliverables to customers in conjunction with the business development and contracts teams.
  • Develop and lead the program-gated reviews, ensuring appropriate maturity across all functional areas for the given program stage.
  • Lead the development, maintenance, and application of the program-integrated master schedule and budget.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of pragmatic program risk registers to determine mitigation strategies.
  • Lead the documentation of lessons learned and transition to certified product development based on prototype learnings.
  • Maintains aggressive efforts to achieve objectives.
  • Assists in proposal process and coordinates with Business Development, Engineering, Finance Departments when required.
  • Prepare Staffing Plans, including skill and labor mix, to support contract operations.
  • Assign staff and provide technical direction as necessary to complete tasks.
  • Monitor contract, subcontract, and funding; prepare forecasts of program financial performance.
  • Develop and deliver required contracts and departmental, project, and/or financial reports.
Required Education and Experience
  • B.A. or B.S. in Engineering, Program Management, Finance, Business, Contracts (or related discipline) and
  • 12 or more years of experience in relevant discipline areas (or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience).
Required Skills
  • Strong program background, work ethic, and interdisciplinary/system thinking to independently meet and lead the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.
  • Ability to interface with various functions (engineering, manufacturing, contracts, finance, supply chain, HR, IT, etc.) and apply a positive, creative, analytical mindset that motivates the team to push through challenges and meaningfully helps resolve problems (technical, programmatic, interpersonal, etc.) in a startup environment.
  • Understanding of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs – especially relevant to Part 23 aircraft design, certification, maintenance, and operation), FAA experimental airworthiness procedures, and relevant industry standards/best practices. Experience with certification preferred.
  • Strong familiarity with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices. Ability to budget and schedule appropriately and update those estimates as a program matures.
  • Experience with international aerospace teams/suppliers and the ability to manage across cultures and time zones.
  • A strong work ethic and ability to independently meet and lead the areas described by the responsibilities and essential functions.
  • Excellent organization and communication skills.
  • US Person (Citizenship or Green Card) Required
Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced Engineering degree preferred.
  • Experience with government contracting preferred.
  • Technical knowledge in electric propulsion, turbines, and hybrid propulsion is preferred.
  • Licensed pilot (FAA, EASA, PPL, CPL, etc.) and/or experience with aircraft operations preferred.
  • Experience working on prototype development programs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), certification procedures (especially Part 23), and relevant industry standards (DO-178, DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754, ARP4761, etc.)
Working Conditions:
  • Work is typically performed in an office environment adjacent to a warehouse/aviation and office environment, which requires proper safety precautions.  May need to lift up to 50 lbs.

Location: Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration this position requires daily onsite hours.
Travel: <25%

Electra is committed to a work environment that is inclusive to all and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to health and safety, we require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Electra offers a reasonable accommodation process for individuals who are unable to meet our vaccination requirement due to a disability, medical condition, or sincerely held religious belief.

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