Program Manager
AIR · Kfar Yona, Center District, Israel
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Kfar Yona, Center District, Israel
Job highlights
- Lead UAV program development and delivery for AIR.
- Manage key relationships with IMOD and IAF.
- Oversee operational deployment and training.
- Drive strategic execution and lifecycle management.
- Requires aerospace/defense and UAV experience.
About the role
About the Company
AIR is a leading dual-use aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the production of advanced eVTOL aircraft for uncrewed cargo logistics and FAA-certified piloted flight. With payloads over 250 kg, one-hour endurance, and proven operational readiness, AIR is one of the first companies to deliver aircraft and generate revenues in the Advanced Air Mobility industry. Through real-world flight operations, industrial partnerships, and global regulatory collaboration, AIR is redefining the aviation paradigm with a proprietary approach to what an aircraft can be. By harnessing the promise of electric aviation, patented innovations in hardware and software, and proven practices from the automotive industry, AIR has built and delivered an aircraft that is fundamentally different: in design, engineering, production, cost, operation, and maintenance. AIR is shaping the future of flight, today.(http://www.airev.aero)About the Job
We are looking for a highly experienced and strategic Program Manager to lead the development and delivery of our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a unique blend of operational excellence and deep technical understanding of the aerospace industry.As the Program Manager, you will be the primary point of contact for the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the Israeli Air Force (IAF), responsible for synchronizing multiple internal R&D projects into a unified, high-performing program. You will lead the program through its entire lifecycle—from development and testing to the full-scale deployment and establishment of operational squadrons at the customer site. Success in this role requires the ability to navigate complex defense environments while ensuring the program meets its technical, operational, and timeline objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Leadership: Lead and synchronize multiple internal development projects, ensuring all engineering, software, and hardware milestones align with the overarching program goals.
- Customer & Stakeholder Management: Serve as the lead representative toward the IMOD and Air Force, managing expectations, reporting progress, and fostering long-term strategic relationships.
- Operational Implementation: Oversee the transition from delivery to "Initial Operating Capability" (IOC), including the establishment of squadrons, training of end-users, and onsite system integration.
- Strategic Execution: Define program roadmaps, prioritize resources, and manage schedules to ensure the successful delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
- Lifecycle Management: Manage the end-to-end delivery process, including flight testing, certification support, and the handover of systems to operational units.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Bridge the gap between technical R&D teams and the customer's operational needs, ensuring that developed solutions are "fit for purpose" in real-world scenarios.
- Risk & Contract Management: Proactively identify program risks (technical and regulatory) and implement mitigation strategies while ensuring compliance with defense-grade requirements.
Qualifications
- Industry Experience: 5+ years of experience in Program or Project Management within the Aerospace or Defense sectors, with a specific focus on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
- Defense Expertise: Proven track record of working directly with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the Israeli Air Force, with a deep understanding of their procurement, testing, and operational protocols.
- Technical Foundation: Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight controls, and the complexities of developing unmanned platforms.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and synchronize complex, parallel projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication: Exceptional negotiation and presentation skills; ability to communicate complex technical statuses to high-ranking officials and end-users.
- Languages: Fluent in both Hebrew and English (written and spoken).
- Education: B.Sc. in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical) or a related technical field.
Key skills/competency
- Program Management
- Aerospace Defense
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
- Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD)
- Israeli Air Force (IAF)
- Aircraft Systems
- Flight Controls
- Cross-Functional Integration
- Risk Management
- Technical Leadership
Skills & topics
- Program Manager
- Aerospace
- Defense
- UAV
- eVTOL
- IMOD
- IAF
- Aircraft Systems
- Project Management
- Engineering Management
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your aerospace, defense, and UAV program management experience. Emphasize your work with IMOD/IAF and technical engineering background.
- Showcase defense expertise: Detail your understanding of defense procurement, testing, and operational protocols, specifically with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Air Force.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss aircraft systems, flight controls, and unmanned platform development complexities.
- Demonstrate leadership: Provide examples of leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects in fast-paced environments.
- Highlight communication skills: Be prepared to present technical statuses clearly to high-ranking officials and end-users, demonstrating fluency in Hebrew and English.
Technical preparation
Study UAV systems and flight controls.,Review defense procurement and testing protocols.,Understand eVTOL aircraft design principles.,Prepare to discuss system integration challenges.
Behavioral questions
Describe leading complex defense projects.,How do you manage high-stakes client relationships?,Share experience synchronizing R&D projects.,How do you ensure operational readiness?
Frequently asked questions
- What specific experience with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and Israeli Air Force (IAF) is required for this Program Manager role at AIR?
- This Program Manager position at AIR requires a proven track record of direct engagement with the IMOD and IAF. This includes a deep understanding of their specific procurement processes, testing methodologies, and operational protocols for defense systems, particularly Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- What technical background is essential for the Program Manager at AIR?
- The Program Manager at AIR needs a strong technical foundation, ideally with a B.Sc. in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical). You should possess a solid understanding of aircraft systems, flight controls, and the unique challenges involved in developing unmanned aerial platforms.
- How does AIR's Program Manager role differ from traditional project management in aerospace?
- This role at AIR is distinct due to its direct interface with defense clients like the IMOD and IAF, requiring navigation of complex defense environments. It involves managing the entire program lifecycle from development to full-scale operational deployment, including establishing squadrons and training end-users, going beyond typical project management.
- What are the language requirements for the Program Manager position at AIR?
- Fluency in both Hebrew and English, encompassing both written and spoken communication, is a mandatory requirement for the Program Manager role at AIR. This is crucial for effective communication with internal teams and external defense stakeholders.
- What is AIR's business focus as an aerospace OEM?
- AIR is a leading aerospace OEM specializing in advanced eVTOL aircraft for uncrewed cargo logistics and FAA-certified piloted flight. They are notable for being among the first to deliver aircraft and generate revenue in the Advanced Air Mobility industry, focusing on electric aviation and innovative design.