XStar Aviation · 3 weeks ago
Aviation Program Manager
2031 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, USA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
10+ years expXStar Aviation, Inc. supports complex aviation and training programs for government customers. The Program Manager – Aviation is responsible for the end-to-end execution of aviation programs, ensuring accountability for cost, schedule, performance, and risk while serving as the integrator between aviation partners and government stakeholders.
Airlines/Aviation
Responsibilities
Serve as the overall Program Manager for XSTAR aviation programs operating under a COCO model
Translate government requirements into executable aviation, training, and sustainment plans
Establish and maintain program governance, execution rhythm, and decision frameworks
Manage relationships with commercial OEMs, MROs, and aviation subcontractors
Oversee:
O Aircraft warranties and warranty claims
O Spare parts provisioning and lifecycle planning
O Maintenance programs and vendor performance
O Subcontractor deliverables, schedules, and cost controls
Ensure subcontract alignment with prime contract requirements and operational timelines
Own the approved program baseline for cost, schedule, and performance
Manage program budgets in the tens of millions of dollars, including labor, ODCs, and subcontractor spend, in coordination with executive leadership
Authorized to manage and adjust subcontractor scope, priorities, and execution sequencing within the bounds of the prime contract and approved budget
Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), including authority to re-plan and re-baseline schedules as execution realities evolve, with executive concurrence
Elevate and recommend stop-work, scope change, or contract modification actions when subcontractor or vendor performance threatens program outcomes
Serve as the single accountable owner for program risks, cost growth, and schedule variance, with direct access to executive leadership for decision and escalation
Act as primary interface with government program offices and operational stakeholders
Support program reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), and executive briefs
Ensure alignment with government expectations for cost control, transparency, and performance
Develop and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)
Track labor, ODCs, aviation operating costs, and subcontractor spend
Identify and mitigate program risks related to aircraft availability, sustainment, training delivery, and site activation
Support EVM-like tracking and reporting where applicable
Coordinate execution across:
O Flight operations and maintenance
O Training development (CBTs, simulators, videos)
O IT systems and hosting environments
O Site activation and basing support
Ensure aviation operations and training pipelines remain synchronized
Ensure adherence to contractual requirements and applicable FAR/DFARS expectations
Support CUI handling, data rights considerations, and audit readiness
Maintain disciplined program documentation and records
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related field
10+ years of aviation program management experience, including: Commercial aviation programs (OEMs, MROs, spares, warranties) and Government aviation or defense programs
Demonstrated experience managing subcontractors and commercial aviation vendors
Strong understanding of aircraft sustainment, maintenance, and lifecycle considerations
Experience managing cost, schedule, and performance across multiple workstreams
Ability to engage credibly with senior government and industry stakeholders
Willingness and ability to travel to operational sites
Preferred
Direct experience with COCO (Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated) aviation models
Prior service or senior civilian experience within DoD or other federal aviation organizations
PMP, DAWIA, or equivalent acquisition/program management certification
Familiarity with: Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS), Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts, Aviation maintenance programs and logistics planning
Experience supporting aviation training programs, simulators, or aircrew qualification pipelines
Company
XStar Aviation
At XSTAR Aviation, our mission is to enhance aircrew readiness through innovative, mission-focused training solutions, ensuring operational success across a wide range of aircraft platforms and missions.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase