Program Manager III

About Us:

AAR Corp. (NYSE: AIR) is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people across over 60 sites in over 20 countries.  Headquartered in the Chicago, Illinois area, AAR supports commercial and government customers in more than 100 countries through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Integrated Solutions, Repair and Engineering and Expeditionary Services.

AAR’s purpose is to empower people to build innovative aerospace solutions today so you can safely reach your destination tomorrow. The company’s mission is to go above and beyond to provide value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. AAR constantly searches for the right thing to do for its customers, employees, partners and for society.

Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Program Manager to lead and oversee programs within our certified repair station supporting military aviation. This role is responsible for managing program performance across cost, schedule, and quality while serving as the primary interface between customers and internal teams.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), along with proven experience coordinating cross-functional teams and driving operational excellence.

What you will be responsible for:

         Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer programs (commercial and/or military)

         Manage full program lifecycle including planning, execution, quotation, monitoring, and delivery

         Develop and maintain program schedules, ensuring on-time delivery of repairs and overhauls

         Coordinate with internal departments (Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance)

         Monitor and manage program financial performance, including revenue, margin, and cost control

         Lead customer meetings, status updates, and program performance reviews

         Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure program success

         Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to turnaround time (TAT), quality, and cost

         Ensure compliance with customer/DoD regulatory requirements

         Support contract review, quoting, and change management processes

●      Prepare reports for Senior Management on sales, performance, and savings

●      Occasional travel may be required

●      All other duties as assigned

What you will need to be successful in this role:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Aviation Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)

·         5 years of experience in aircraft MRO, aerospace, or aviation operations

·         Strong understanding of repair station operations and processes

·         Excellent communication and customer-facing skills

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Preferred:

·         3 years of experience in program management

·         Experience with military programs and government contracts/portals

·         Familiarity with Infor ERP system

·         Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Aviation Management, or related field

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:

·         Competitive salary and bonus package

·         Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

·         401(k) retirement plan with company match

·         Paid Parental Leave

·         Paid Short Term Disability

·         Tuition Reimbursement

·         Generous paid time off program

·         Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership and cross-functional coordination
• Customer relationship management
• Financial acumen and cost control
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Programs delivered on time, on budget, and with zero quality escapes
• Strong customer satisfaction and repeat business
• Improved turnaround times and operational efficiency
• Clear communication and alignment across all stakeholders

#MRO