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Operations & Project Management

Program Manager - Aerospace and Defense

StaffRight Associates, LLCRockford, IL🇺🇸United StatesPosted 11 Jul 2026

Quick Overview

Salary
$100k - $125k/yr
Work Type
Hybrid
Level
Mid Senior

Job Description

The Opportunity

StaffRight Associates is recruiting for an exceptional talent in the aerospace and defense sector to identify a high-caliber leadership professional to oversee high-profile, cross-functional hardware initiatives. Managing the complete lifecycle of engineered materials and regulatory repair frameworks, this role provides comprehensive ownership over strategic supplier engagement, financial optimization, and cross-functional execution.

Acting as the critical bridge between sophisticated commercial and military clients, engineering teams, and supply chains, you will drive operational excellence and ensure the seamless delivery of mission-critical systems.

What You’ll Do

  • Architect and manage the full lifecycle execution of sophisticated electronic, electromechanical, and specialized hardware initiatives for defense and commercial aviation clientele.

  • Champion business development efforts and maximize strategic supplier alliances to capture new market opportunities and solidify long-term partnerships.

  • Drive end-to-end supply chain functions, encompassing technical material sourcing, precise RFQ generation, comprehensive cost optimization, and contract negotiations.

  • Synthesize cross-functional communications between Tier 1 Original Equipment Manufacturers, regulatory bodies, manufacturing facilities, engineering teams, and quality assurance personnel.

  • Mitigate operational vulnerabilities by conducting proactive risk assessments, identifying supply chain bottlenecks, and implementing robust process improvement methodologies.

  • Enforce strict alignment with international trade controls, aviation manufacturing standards, and military specifications across all product lines.

  • Maximize operational efficiency through the utilization of manufacturing resource planning platforms to manage complex bills of materials and production schedules.

What You Bring

  • Program Management expertise with three to eight years of leadership experience within a highly regulated production environment.

  • Aerospace Manufacturing background, specifically dealing with electronic components, Printed Circuit Boards, wire harnesses, electromechanical assemblies, or precision-engineered mechanical parts.

  • Defense Procurement acumen, including substantial exposure to military clients, government contracting, and defense supplier qualifications.

  • Regulatory Compliance literacy, with direct familiarity navigating Federal Aviation Administration protocols, International Traffic In Arms Regulations, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, AS9100 Standard quality management, and Military Standards.

  • Enterprise Resource Planning system literacy, alongside advanced proficiency in Material Requirements Planning, Bill Of Materials Management, and aggressive supplier negotiations.

  • Educational Background Bachelor Degree is highly preferred, Assoociates with experience required.

Compensation & Total Rewards

  • Annual Base Salary: $100,000 – $125,000

  • Employment Type: Full-Time / Direct Hire

  • Additional Notes: Relocation assistance is negotiable.

Joining StaffRight Associates

When you partner with StaffRight Associates in your search for your next role, you’re doing more than pursuing a job, you’re aligning yourself with a team of experts committed to placing top-tier talent in truly impactful positions. We take pride in fostering professional growth and connecting forward-thinking individuals with organizations that value innovation and excellence. We look forward to showcasing your expertise in a way that resonates with our clients and opens the door to meaningful opportunities.

Skills

Process Improvement
Procurement

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