Senior Technical Program Manager, Air Management
Our Company
Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.
About the Role
As the Senior Technical Program Manager – Air Management at Whisper Aero, you will oversee planning, implementation, and tracking of multiple key Air Management programs from new product development (NPD) through new product introduction (NPI). This role is crucial for successfully bringing our innovative products to market, requiring a strong blend of technical understanding, supply chain management, and collaboration with domestic and overseas suppliers and contract manufacturers.
What You'll Do
- Lead planning, execution, and oversight of New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) for Air Management programs.
- Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, ensuring competitive pricing, quality control, and effective logistics.
- Proactively manage budget allocation, vendor relationships, and resource optimization to deliver programs within financial constraints.
- Conduct regular program reviews to manage milestones, risks, cost, and schedule adherence, providing clear reporting to stakeholders and senior management.
- Develop detailed program timelines, resource allocation, and risk management plans to align with business and customer needs.
- Work with the Air Management integrated program team to monitor product performance and competition.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, and Business Development to ensure alignment across product requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and market demands.
- Work closely with integrated program team members and engineering stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and communication on program goals, timelines, and deliverables.
- Conduct regular program reviews to manage milestones, risks, cost, and schedule adherence, providing clear reporting to stakeholders and senior management.
- Help develop product and program management standards and processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the other integrated program teams.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to the Air Management Integrated Program Team (IPT).
- Identify and implement opportunities to streamline processes, reduce time-to-market, and enhance overall product quality.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, preferably in the commercial product, aerospace, technology, or related industry.
- Proven track record of successfully managing end-to-end hardware product launches.
- Extensive experience with international supply chains, supplier management, contract manufacturers, cost control, and logistics.
- Strong understanding of product and program management techniques and methods.
- Excellent knowledge of performance evaluation and change management principles.
- Outstanding leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to travel both domestic and international
- U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Bonus Qualifications
- Full lifecycle product launch experience
- Rapid Prototyping Product Launch experience
- PMP, PgMP, or similar project management certification.
- Experience in managing large-scale projects involving complex mechanical and electronic integration in a dynamic environment
Benefits:
- Top-tier Benefits: 100% paid Medical, dental, and vision for employees, 75% paid for dependents
- PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
- Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life
- End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
- We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional Development Stipend
Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.