Customer Program Manager (2025-011)

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Customer Program Manager or Senior Customer Program Manager on our Cabin Electronics / Cabin Power Products Group to lead and support production programs with our global airline customer base.

This is an on-site position based in Kirkland, WA. The role offers flexibility to work from home part-time, dependent on project needs.

If you're passionate about making an impact and driving innovation with a forward-thinking company that stays at the forefront of the latest technologies in the aircraft industry—and has been recognized as one of Washington's Best Places to Work for 16 consecutive years—please read on!

The Cabin Electronics Product Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of in-seat power systems for the commercial airline industry. The group’s EmPower® product line provides a variety of scalable power solutions for aircraft passenger cabins and flight decks. The system is used by over 280 airlines, In-flight Entertainment (IFE) suppliers, and all major aircraft OEM manufacturers worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY

As a Customer Program Manager, you will lead and support production programs for our global airline customers by collaborating closely with a key Inflight Entertainment (IFE) company. Your role will involve building and nurturing relationships with this customer and other international clients, making business decisions that benefit both Astronics and our customers. You will develop strong, trusting connections with various parts of their organization, ensure post-delivery support for airline customers, and oversee the development of potential new products.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the customer interface and commercial aspects of a developmental program for an IFE customer and act as the primary interface for all aspects of that customer.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact for assigned projects, coordinating with various levels within the customer's organization.
• Understand and enforce contractual obligations, negotiating amendments, and communicating requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage financial health of projects, including budget creation, margin targets, and financial forecasts, engaging with the Finance and Operations teams.
• Maintain and update project schedules, mitigating risks and ensuring timely completion in coordination with the cross-functional teams.
• Display competency in technical matters, facilitating solutions and mitigating risks to balance technical requirements with business considerations.
• Demonstrate leadership by guiding cross-disciplinary teams, managing resources effectively, and mentoring junior Program Managers.
• Contribute to new business efforts, leading proposals for large, complex projects, and identifying new opportunities with existing or prospective customers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline or Business from an accredited institution is preferred; however, relevant work experience may be considered in place of degree.
• Graduate degree or coursework is a plus.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Proven experience in program and project management within the electronics or aerospace industry.
• Strong customer management and negotiation skills for interacting with IFE customers and stakeholders.
• Financial literacy with capability to create budgets, manage project spending, and grasp contract financial implications.
• Effective scheduling and team coordination abilities to ensure project deliverables meet or exceed timelines.
• A solid technical foundation with the capacity to address and resolve complex issues while balancing business needs.
• Leadership prowess, able to lead teams, provide clear direction, and mentor junior staff.
• Experience contributing to business growth and handling new proposals.
• Ability to manage large-scale, high-risk projects with direct impact on organization success.

Experience:

Demonstrates competency (typically five (5) to seven (7) years of direct experience) with the above duties and responsibilities for consideration as Customer Program Manager.

Demonstrates proficiency (typically eight (8) or more years of direct experience) with the above duties and responsibilities for consideration as Senior Customer Program Manager.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• As a US Department of Defense Contractor, Astronics is bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Must be a US Person under ITAR to be eligible.
• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment background screen and drug test which includes screening for the use of cannabis.

Base Salary Range for Customer Program Manager is $86,430 - $129,645 per year.

Base Salary Range Senior Customer Program Manager is $111,929 - $167,893 per year.

Several job-related and non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to experience in comparable roles, skill sets, training, education, licensure or certifications, other qualifications, market conditions and business needs influence actual salary offered.

Astronics AES offers a competitive benefits package including:

Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity

Save for the Future – 401K & Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Find Balance – Work/life balance culture, Employee Assistance Program, Hybrid work arrangement

Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off, starting at 120 hours, plus 12 Paid Holidays