Program Manager – Aerospace Projects

An international aerospace player is expanding its footprint in the UAE and is looking for a seasoned Program Manager to lead high-profile aerospace projects from Abu Dhabi.

This is a career-defining opportunity to sit at the intersection of technology, defence, and national infrastructure driving programmes that directly shape the future of aerospace capability in the region.

You will own the end-to-end delivery of complex aerospace programmes – ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest technical and regulatory standards.

• Lead the planning, execution, and governance of multi-million AED aerospace programmes from concept through to delivery and sustainment.
• Act as the primary interface between internal engineering teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders (customers, partners, suppliers, and regulators).
• Define programme scope, milestones, budgets, and risk management plans – and keep all stakeholders aligned.
• Drive cross-functional coordination across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams.
• Monitor programme performance using clear KPIs, reporting status, risks, and mitigation plans to senior management and customers.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace, defence, and safety standards and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Lead change management, configuration control, and contract management activities across the programme lifecycle.

You’re a structured, calm-in-the-chaos program leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments. You understand the technical depth of aerospace projects and can translate that into clear plans, decisions, and outcomes.

• 8–12+ years’ experience in program / project management within aerospace, defence, aviation, or complex engineering environments.
• Proven track record delivering large, multi-stakeholder programmes on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of aerospace systems, defence projects, or mission-critical technology programmes.
• Solid experience with program governance, risk management, and stakeholder management at senior levels.
• Strong commercial acumen – able to manage contracts, scope changes, and commercial implications.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfortable interfacing with customers, partners, and internal leadership.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related technical field (Master’s or MBA is a plus).

• Experience working with or for major aerospace/defence organisations (e.g. Thales, Collins, Airbus, Lockheed, etc.).
• Familiarity with UAE / GCC defence or government projects.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent.
• Experience in systems engineering environments and/or integrated product teams (IPTs).

• Base:
  Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Salary: 55,000 – 62,000 AED per month (depending on experience and programme complexity managed)

You’ll be joining a high-calibre, mission-driven team working on strategic aerospace programmes with real national significance, backed by a global organisation with deep technical expertise and long-term vision.