Senior Program Manager, High Thrust Propulsors

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead the development and integration of electric ducted fan propulsion systems for next generation of commercial and defense aircraft in Nashville, TN. In this role, you will oversee cross-functional engineering teams. You'll drive program execution from concept through certification while meeting performance, schedule, and cost metrics.

The successful candidate will be someone with a strong aerospace background in aircraft, propulsion, or aerospace component development who thrives in a fast paced, technically challenging environment. They will be able to clearly communicate with all stakeholders including engineers, suppliers, customers, and leadership.

What You'll Do

• Lead program planning and execution for electric propulsion system development from concept through test and certification
• Manage scope, schedule, and budgets while ensuring alignment across the team
• Collaborate with cross-functional team to define system requirements, milestones, and risk management strategies
• Drive issue resolution and program decisions balancing technical performance, risk, and schedule
• Interface with suppliers, customers, and certification authorities to ensure compliance with aerospace standards and regulatory requirements
• Support long-term product strategy, roadmap planning, and technology maturation for future propulsion systems
• Facilitate cross-functional design reviews and program updates to internal and external stakeholders
• Interact regularly with leadership to communicate status, priorities, issues, and resource needs
• Use agile management tools to plan sprints, track progress, and maintain documentation across teams

Basic Qualifications

• S. Person status is required, as this position may access export controlled data
• 8+ years of experience in the aerospace industry with at least 5 years in a program management role
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-disciplinary aerospace programs (preferably involving propulsion or power systems)
• Experience defining and managing program schedules and budgets
• Experience applying agile methodologies in a hardware or hybrid hardware/software program environment
• Strong understanding of one of the following areas: aircraft propulsion, electrical power generation/distribution, or hybrid-electric architectures
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse technical teams and manage suppliers or partners
• Proficiency with agile project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, or equivalent to plan, prioritize, track, and execute hardware and software development activities (including resource allocation and workload management)
• Experience using Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms to maintain technical documentation and design artifacts while enabling effective cross-functional communication and project execution
• Background in R&D environments developing new aerospace technologies
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• A willingness to work on tasks outside your primary job functions

Bonus Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, or a related field
• PMP certification
• Experience with aircraft engine, electrical machine, inverter, or energy storage system development
• Experience with aircraft propulsion, inlet, or exhaust integration development
• Working knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements related to aircraft, engines, electric machines, or electronics
• Strong understanding of certification processes (Part 23, 25, or 33) and system safety (ARP4754A, ARP4761)
• Experience with testing of medium or high voltage power systems
• Experience with modern requirements management software

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Benefits

• Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
• 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