Department: WSU Industry and Defense Programs

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Information

WSU's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is seeking a Program Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented with the initiative to work collaboratively with organization partners.

Job Summary

Manages multiple programs and coordinates efforts to ensure that projects are completed on-time, within budget constraints and scope, and meet program requirements. Oversees the assigned programs and offers strategic guidance to leadership while ensuring proper internal and external communications. Facilitates team coordination and communication, with internal and external resources and stakeholders, throughout the project.

Essential Functions

Manages laboratory activities related to the program, including research, testing; manages program requirements including production, scope, and budget Provides oversight of the work of the program to ensure that the work is completed on time and in accordance with established standards or specifications Evaluates program effectiveness by collecting and analyzing data in support of key performance metrics Ensures that activities are in compliance with policies and regulations Coordinates with and provides reports and updates to internal and external resources and stakeholders Reviews open action items and project schedules; organizes daily activities based on the goals of the project Manages external resources to support project schedules and on-time delivery Responds to customer questions or requests promptly Facilitates customer engagement and supports strategic growth initiatives Develops and maintains positive relationships with customers and suppliers Facilitates team coordination and communication, and plans follow-up meetings with internal and external stakeholders Builds new project schedules as needed with all resources and dates identified Provides regular updates and/or reports, and proactively communicates risks and barriers to project completion Documents and analyzes project test results and generates final reports Prepares and presents written and verbal communication to internal and external stakeholders as needed Organizes, tracks, and manages expenses Completes special projects as assigned

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM, or equivalent combination of related education and experience

Five (5) years of related program management experience in aerospace or the military; Experience directing and managing staff to ensure successful completion of program activities, and organizing, tracking, and managing program expenses

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to utilize power BI, MS Project, or similar tools.
Ability to support programs across the entire lifecycle in the defense industry (DoD).
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent Communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills
Strong grasp of engineering fundamentals, with the ability to execute, apply, and communicate these in a manner appropriate for the audience.
Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
Ability to determine objectives, set priorities, and delegate work.
Complies with established control systems and rules.

Physical Requirements

Ability to inspect and/or surveil materials, equipment, reports, and/or incidents and identify any errors, needs and/or determining factors. Ability to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation. Ability to move or traverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or across external environments.