Lead Mission-Critical Programs as a Program Manager for Aerospace & Defense

Location: Tucson, AZ | Pay range: $38.46 - $48.08/hr | Schedule: Mon to Fri; 8am to 5pm

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with an industry leader in Aviation & Aerospace to find a skilled Program Manager, Aerospace & Defense who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. If you're passionate about building strong customer partnerships, driving operational excellence, and delivering complex programs on time and on budget, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

In this role, you'll serve as the primary point of contact for key customer accounts, ensuring successful program execution from planning through delivery. Your expertise in project management, manufacturing operations, supply chain coordination, pricing, and customer relationship management will directly contribute to mission-critical aerospace and defense programs.

What You'll Do

As a Program Manager, you'll play a vital role in delivering exceptional customer experiences while ensuring operational success. Your responsibilities will include:

• Manage day-to-day customer account activities to ensure on-time product deliveries and successful program execution.

• Develop and implement action plans to address schedule risks and out-of-plan conditions.

• Monitor account profitability through forecasting, planning, and performance analysis while supporting strategic execution.

• Participate in pricing strategies, bid preparation, and contract development and management.

• Build trusted customer relationships through proactive communication and exceptional service.

• Monitor customer satisfaction through surveys, feedback, complaint resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead customer and internal program tracking meetings, providing clear status updates and facilitating cross-functional collaboration.

• Resolve customer issues while assessing and managing the impact of order changes on inventory and production.

• Prepare performance reporting and analysis for Monthly Operations Reviews and Quarterly Customer Performance Reviews.

• Partner with Cost Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain Management teams to analyze costs, pricing variances, and business performance.

• Coordinate effectively across operations, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and customer teams to deliver outstanding results.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 3–6 years of experience in program management, account management, project management, manufacturing, or a related field.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling, and supply chain management.

• Experience managing customer relationships, contracts, pricing, and commercial negotiations.

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Strong analytical, presentation, and reporting capabilities.

• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Aerospace & Defense manufacturing programs.

• Knowledge of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) manufacturing processes and associated business operations.

• Understanding of cost engineering, pricing analysis, and contract management.

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving operational improvements.

• Familiarity with customer performance reviews, operational metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Why Join Us?

When you join PDS Tech Commercial, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to programs that support some of the world's most advanced aerospace and defense technologies while working alongside industry-leading professionals.

You'll enjoy:

• The opportunity to support innovative, mission-critical aerospace and defense programs.

• A collaborative environment where cross-functional teamwork drives success.

• Challenging, high-impact projects that expand your leadership and technical exper