Aviation Program Manager

Program Manager - Aviation (XSTAR)

XSTAR Aviation, Inc. delivers complex aviation and training programs for government customers via contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) models. We fuse commercial aircraft platforms, operations, maintenance, training, digital courseware, and rapid site activation to achieve operational readiness at speed.

Lead end-to-end execution of XSTAR aviation programs with full P&L accountability for cost, schedule, performance, and risk. Act as the critical bridge between commercial OEMs/MROs/vendors, internal teams, and government stakeholders.

This is a hands‑on execution role—not advisory. Ideal candidates have managed commercial aircraft programs (warranties, spares, subs) inside government/COCO environments.

• Aviation Program Leadership & Authority
  • Own program baseline: cost (tens of millions), schedule (IMS development/re-baselining), and performance.
  • Translate government requirements into actionable aviation, training, and sustainment plans.
  • Establish governance, execution cadence, and decision rights; expedite stop‑work or modifications when vendor performance threatens outcomes.
  • Direct access to executives for risk, cost growth, and schedule decisions.
• Commercial & Subcontract Management
  • Lead OEMs, MROs, and aviation subs: warranties/claims, spares provisioning/lifecycle, maintenance programs, deliverables, and cost controls.
  • Align subs to prime contract timelines and requirements.
• Government & Stakeholder Interface
  • Primary point for program offices: reviews, TIMs, executive briefs.
  • Ensure transparency, cost control, and alignment with government expectations.
• Cross‑Functional Execution
  • Integrate flight ops/maintenance, training (CBTs/simulators), IT/hosting, and site activation.
  • Track labor/ODCs, aviation costs, subs; apply EVM‑like metrics; mitigate risks (aircraft availability, training pipelines).
• Compliance
  • Enforce FAR/DFARS, CUI/data rights, audit readiness, and program documentation.

• Bachelor's in Aviation, Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related.
• 10+ years aviation program management:
  • Commercial: OEMs, MROs, spares, warranties.
  • Government/defense programs (COCO preferred).
• Proven subcontractor/vendor management.
• Aircraft sustainment/maintenance/lifecycle expertise.
• IMS/EVM familiarity; multi‑workstream cost/schedule control.
• Credible with senior stakeholders; travel willingness.

• COCO aviation experience.
• DoD/federal aviation (military or senior civilian).
• PMP/DAWIA or equivalent.
• Training/simulator/aircrew pipelines.

• Lead real programs:
  Shape COCO aviation at scale— no paper pushes.
• High autonomy:
  Manage budgets/schedules/subs with exec backing.
• Strategic impact:
  Bridge commercial discipline and government delivery.
• Work with senior leaders, operators, and customers.

Occasional to XSTAR sites.

XSTAR Aviation is an equal opportunity employer committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state or local laws.

$120,000 - $160,000 per year