Program Manager

About the Company:

AIR is a leading dual-use aerospace 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.