Astronics Subsidiary
Advanced Electronic Systems (AES)

Location
Kirkland, WA

Description

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to join our Airborne Power Control (APC) Product Team in Kirkland, WA.

If you have experience with aerospace engineering development projects and can lead multi-functional technical engineering teams through new product development and system integration, we'd like to talk with you.

This is a hybrid / on-site position that offers flexibility to work from home two days per week based on project needs. Candidates local to the greater Seattle/Kirkland, WA area are highly desired. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Job Summary

The Senior Technical Program Manager (Sr. TPM) manages the development and implementation of Astronics AES products and services for aircraft electrical power systems serving small to mid-sized business jets, UAVs, and rotorcraft. This role leads cross-functional technical teams and coordinates activities from program initiation through delivery, including planning, directing schedules, and monitoring budgets.

The Sr. TPM is accountable for successfully managing technical direction, cost, and schedule for new aircraft power system development programs, while building strong customer relationships and supporting ongoing company quality and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Technical Leadership

• Lead and manage multi-functional technical engineering teams through new product development from inception to production.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities (engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance) to deliver program commitments on time, within budget, and to technical performance requirements.
• Provide clear technical direction and decision-making to resolve issues and maintain program momentum.
• Develop and maintain a strong technical understanding of assigned products and systems.

Customer & Contract Management

• Build, manage, and sustain external customer relationships at multiple levels, including technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Manage customer expectations, communications, negotiations, and scope creep to reduce risk to the company.
• Work with customers to define scope of work, project schedules, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
• Participate in contract and engineering change negotiations to control non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs and schedule impacts.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with engineering, operations, upper management, and external customers.
• Provide clear direction, planning, clarification, guidance, decision status, and issue resolution using email, formal documentation, presentations, and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Prepare and present regular program reviews to internal senior management and external customers, summarizing schedule, cost, technical status, risks, and mitigation plans.

Quality, Process Improvement & Cost Management

• Support ongoing company quality initiatives, including process/procedure improvements, cost reduction efforts, and schedule efficiency improvements.
• Coordinate design and process improvements that reduce product cost and improve yield and reliability.
• Monitor program performance metrics and drive corrective actions where needed.

Planning, Proposals & Financial Management

• Develop and manage program plans, budgets, and schedules for development and production phases.
• Lead or support the preparation of technical and commercial proposals, including cost analyses, schedule estimates, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure accurate forecasting of NRE and recurring costs and manage program spending against plan.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (Electrical Engineering or related technical degree) from an accredited institution required.
• MBA or advanced business-related degree preferred.

Experience

• Five (5) or more years of experience in Program Management, Project Engineering, Engineering, Operations, or other relevant technical functions.
• Program management and/or project engineering experience within aerospace engineering development projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-functional technical engineering teams through new product development.

Skills & Attributes

• Extensive customer interface experience, including technical discussions and commercial negotiations.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, risk management, and cost control.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to engineering teams, operations, executives, and customers.
• Proven ability to manage complex technical programs in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Personal style and approach that aligns with and exceeds company values and behaviors, fostering collaboration, accountability, and integrity.

Employment Eligibility Requirements

• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it is necessary.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background check and drug test including cannabis screening.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $132,983 - $199,474 per year (Mid-point: $166,228)

Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.

• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonus eligible.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; optional critical illness and accident coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.

If you are a driven technical program leader with aerospace experience and a passion for developing advanced aircraft power systems, we encourage you to apply.

Position Requirements

As above

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time