Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager - Advanced Avionics Integration

Job Description

The Program Manager leads and supports complex avionics integration programs across multiple aircraft platforms within a dynamic engineering environment. This role coordinates cross-functional efforts, manages project scope, schedule, and cost, and ensures successful delivery from concept through completion. The Program Manager actively supports quality management system activities, participates directly with engineering teams, and occasionally performs hands-on troubleshooting in laboratory and hangar settings. This position offers the opportunity to work on advanced aviation projects for international customers while contributing to a growing, award-winning organization.

Responsibilities

• Support and participate in the organization's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring programs align with established processes and standards.
• Lead and coordinate program and project management activities for advanced avionics integration on various aircraft platforms.
• Serve as a key liaison between engineering, operations, materials, finance, and other functional teams to track projects from initiation through final deliverables.
• Participate as part of an engineering team focused on integrating suites of advanced avionics systems into aircraft and systems integration laboratories.
• Oversee and, when necessary, perform hands-on troubleshooting of avionics components, wiring harnesses, and related systems in laboratory or hangar environments.
• Establish, track, and maintain program and technical requirements, ensuring all stakeholders clearly understand scope, priorities, and deliverables.
• Develop, maintain, and report on project schedules, budgets, and resource plans, proactively identifying risks and driving mitigation actions.
• Prepare clear, concise documentation and briefings, including status reports, technical overviews, and executive-level presentations using PowerPoint and other tools.
• Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders and external customers on program status, risks, issues, and accomplishments.
• Coordinate training packages related to program deliverables and support the planning and execution of training activities as needed.
• Work closely with operations and the shop floor to monitor progress, resolve issues, and ensure projects move efficiently through each phase.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion when making decisions in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Travel internationally several times per year to support program activities, customer engagements, and on-site project work.
• Perform all other tasks as assigned by engineering and program leadership to ensure successful program outcomes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 5-20 years of program or project management experience supporting customers and managing the full lifecycle of projects (scope, materials, cost, schedule, and deliverables).
• Demonstrated experience managing projects that involve coordination with materials, operations, engineering, finance, and other cross-functional teams.
• Expert knowledge of establishing, tracking, and maintaining program and technical requirements.
• Strong experience documenting and briefing project status, including proficient use of PowerPoint for clear, professional presentations.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Effective time management and organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Proactive, self-directed, and resourceful approach, with a demonstrated ability to take initiative and "figure things out."
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aircraft or aviation, such as experience with helicopters, Black Hawk, Airbus platforms, or other aviation systems.
• Experience working with advanced avionics systems or related aerospace technologies.
• Experience supporting or developing training packages for technical or operational programs.
• Exposure to transportation or aerospace-related industries, including aircraft, helicopters, or rockets.
• Comfort working in environments that require versatility and adaptability, acting as a "jack-of-all-trades" or Swiss Army-type contributor.
• Program or project management experience in organizations with international customers or global projects.
• Prior experience working in a laboratory or hangar environment supporting integration or troubleshooting activities.

Work Environment

The role operates within a hands-on aviation environment that combines office, laboratory, and hangar settings. The schedule typically follows a four-day workweek with four 10-hour days, providing every Friday off. The culture emphasizes a "get it done" mindset, focusing on productivity and results rather than strict clock-punching, with minimal micromanagement and a strong emphasis on trust and accountability. The organization is small, well-run, and financially healthy, with strong retention and a track record of recent awards and growth. You will work around multiple aircraft on site, including up to approximately 30 helicopters, and support programs for international customers across regions such as Europe and South America. International travel is expected 2-3 times per year to locations that may include Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Indonesia, Poland, and other countries, depending on program needs. The environment fosters collaboration with engineering, operations, and R&D teams, and offers opportunities to contribute to new hangar expansions and research and development initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Guntersville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Guntersville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.