0119 - Program Manager

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: