PROGRAM MANAGER – AEROSPACE & DEFENSEColumbus, 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 LeadershipLead 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 LeadershipLead 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 initiativesQUALIFICATIONSStrong Program Management experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry REQUIREDExperience 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 preferredWHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUTHighly Competitive Compensation Package – Base Salary Up to $160KPerformance 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.
