Overview
The Program Manager is responsible for the safe and successful management and execution of the United States Air Force Initial Pilot Training (IPT) program At SkyWarrior. This role integrates program governance, customer engagement, instructor management, aircraft readiness oversight, and student throughput optimization to ensure the program meets all contractual obligations, FAA standards, and organizational objectives. The Program Manager leads cross‑functional coordination between operations, maintenance, logistics, and training teams to deliver a safe, efficient, and high‑quality training pipeline that consistently meets US Air Force expectations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Program Management:
- Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, including goals, scope, timelines, resource allocation, and governance controls aligned with US Air Force IPT requirements and overall organizational strategy.
- Approve daily flight schedule and oversee the schedule execution.
- Complete all required deliverables, including CDRLs, reports, meeting minutes, operational summaries, and program status updates.
- Monitor progress across multiple concurrent workstreams (training throughput, maintenance coordination, instructor staffing, aircraft availability).
- Identify, assess, and mitigate risks affecting training flow, aircraft readiness, instructor availability, or customer satisfaction.
- Enhance program governance through improved planning, risk management, and performance tracking.
- Conduct quarterly program reviews and provide comprehensive program status updates.
- Resolve operational issues quickly and decisively, coordinating across maintenance, operations, and training teams to maintain program continuity.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a primary liaison with Air Force leadership, government representatives, and external partners.
- Build and maintain strong, transparent relationships to support trust, alignment, and effective collaboration.
- Coordinate engagements and provide timely, accurate program data to ensure customer expectations are consistently met.
- Address any student concerns or complaints and work towards satisfactory resolutions.
Instructor Management & Workforce Oversight
- Hire, onboard, and manage flight instructors, ensuring compliance with certification, qualification, and performance standards.
- Develop instructor schedules, manage workloads, and ensure adequate coverage for all training requirements.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to support instructor development and instructional quality.
- Work directly with the Program Chief Pilot to ensure instructors adhere to FAA regulations, company policies, and standards.
- Foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and instructional excellence.
Student Support & Training Throughput Management
- Maintain accurate and organized student and instructor records, including flight hours, medical exams, certifications, and other required documentation.
- Monitor student progress, ensuring timely completion of training milestones and addressing barriers to success.
- Communicate with students regarding schedules, progress, and program expectations.
- Facilitate student feedback and act as a liaison between students, instructors, and leadership to resolve concerns.
- Ensure training flow remains predictable, efficient, and aligned with Air Force throughput requirements.
Compliance, Safety & Documentation
- Ensure full compliance with FAA regulations, Air Force training requirements, safety standards, and internal policies.
- Maintain accurate and organized records for students, instructors, aircraft, and program operations.
- Support safety initiatives, audits, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Uphold a safety‑first culture across all training and operational activities.
Qualifications
Experience:
- Military aviation experience.
- Experience as a pilot, combat systems officer (CSO) or naval flight officer (NFO) (highly preferred).
- Vast aviation background with preferred experience as a CFI, CFII, and/or MEI (preferred).
- 3+ years of experience in program, project, process, or department management.
- Proficiency with Excel and other data‑tracking tools.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Bachelor’s Degree.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Knowledge of aviation safety standards and practices.
- Knowledge of common aviation regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a deadline driven environment.
- First-level organizational skills and customer service skills.
- Ability to provide coaching in a constructive and professional manner to support instructor and student development.
- Ability to partner with peers to ensure overall company success.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please provide a brief overview of your military aviation experience.
Education:
Experience:
- program, project or department management: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
