About this position
PROGRAM MANAGER – AEROSPACE & DEFENSE
Columbus, Mississippi
Base Salary Up to $160K + Up to 10% Bonus + Full Benefits
Nickerson Talent Solutions is actively seeking an experienced Program Manager for a high-impact leadership opportunity supporting complex Aerospace & Defense programs in Columbus, MS .
We are specifically seeking candidates with strong experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry managing complex programs, cross-functional operations, customer deliverables, budgets, schedules, and production execution in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
The selected candidate will play a critical role in driving the financial, technical, operational, and scheduling performance of multiple high-visibility aerospace and defense programs while partnering closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customers.
This is a long-term leadership opportunity offering base salary up to $160K, bonus potential up to 10%, full benefits, career growth, and direct involvement in mission-critical Aerospace & Defense operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program & Project Leadership
- Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Aerospace & Defense programs
- Develop project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation plans
- Ensure adherence to operational objectives, customer requirements, and master schedules
- Support proposal development, contracts, and strategic program execution
Financial & Operational Management
- Manage program budgets, labor utilization, material costs, and financial performance
- Monitor operational metrics and drive execution efficiency
- Deliver program reviews, progress reports, and executive-level presentations
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead coordination across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, and production teams
- Drive collaboration, issue resolution, and operational execution
- Support continuous improvement and program performance initiatives
Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as a primary interface with customers, leadership, and stakeholders
- Manage customer expectations, deliverables, and communication
- Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful execution
Risk, Quality & Compliance
- Identify and mitigate program risks
- Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements
- Support quality assurance and operational excellence initiatives
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong Program Management experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry REQUIRED
- Experience managing complex aerospace, defense, or manufacturing programs
- Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, contracts, and customer deliverables
- Strong cross-functional leadership experience within operational environments
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Experience supporting high-visibility aerospace or defense programs strongly preferred
WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT
- Highly Competitive Compensation Package – Base Salary Up to $160K
- Performance Bonus Opportunity Up to 10%
- Comprehensive Full Benefits Package
- High-Impact Leadership Role Supporting Aerospace & Defense Programs
- Direct Visibility with Executive Leadership & Key Customers
- Opportunity to Lead Complex, Mission-Critical Programs
- Long-Term Career Stability & Advancement Potential
- Fast-Paced Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Environment
- Ability to Drive Operational Strategy, Program Execution, and Business Growth
Qualified Aerospace & Defense Program Management professionals are encouraged to apply immediately. Interviews are being scheduled quickly for top talent.
Location and commute
Columbus, MS .
Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.
How to apply
Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3153851868.