Program Manager, Government & Defense

About this role

About AIRCO AIRCO is a world leader in carbon conversion technology, paving the way to global energy security by transforming CO₂ into a valuable resource. Its proprietary AIRMADE™ Technology is an adaptable platform that allows any industry to efficiently produce high-demand, fully-formulated synthetic fuels from waste CO₂ and hydrogen.

The company has commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and has been awarded multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the United States Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit. The company has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Inc. Best in Business, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and the XPrize for Carbon Removal.

AIRCO’s many accolades include winning the prestigious Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2023, an award given to organizations that reinvent processes to reduce the generation of hazardous substances and byproducts. AIRCO was also declared a winner for the World Economic Forum UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge, which accelerates the development of promising technology pathways that enable widespread uptake of SAF.

The Position

We are seeking a Program Manager - Government - to join our team. This role will report to our Director of Government & Defense Programs. This position will contribute to the requirements-led development of products and other opportunities. This role is based in New Britain, PA and works on-site five days per week

What you get to do

• Own and manage three core workstreams within the MAD Program, determining the personnel, material, and technical resources required to successfully complete each and implementing strategies to achieve program goals:

• Feedstocks: coordinate external vendors and technical teams, manage client-facing technical meeting requirements, and ensure designs are sound and executable.

• Power Source: work with external partners to integrate and secure power sourcing for MAD systems.

• Systems Requirements: coordinate across all sections and stakeholders (feedstocks, water treatment, customer input) so internal teams are aligned and the product being designed is the right one.

• Track program performance against key metrics, generate regular reports, and present updates to senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

• Evaluate potential partnerships based on technology readiness, manufacturing readiness, and business alignment in support of the MAD and Advanced Manufacturing programs.

• Support AIRCOs Technical Lead and RD&E members in submission of program funding proposals and follow on program management of any awarded programs.

• Conduct other tasks assigned. Coordinate closely with, and provide support to, key cross-functional partners at AIRCO.

What you bring to AIRCO

• 5-7+ years of experience with public-segment customers, in a technical capacity in a related industry and in comparable technical program management.

• Demonstrated ownership of a product, project, or process that was operationalized and successfully iterated on over time

• Experience managing technical programs, with the ability to speak the same technical language as engineering/RD&E teams and evaluate Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Engineering, Chemistry, etc)

• Ability to work diligently and independently, with an eagerness to learn.

• Exceptional communication skills.

Bonus Points

• Prior military/defense experience.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.

• PMP/PMI or similar certification.

Working at AIRCO - In addition to standard medical and dental benefits, that kick in Day 1, AIRCO is:

• A team of engineers, scientists, operators, builders, and innovators working on hard problems with tangible impact.

• A company building and deploying real systems for fuel and chemical production in real-world conditions.

• A hands-on environment where ownership is clear, decisions stay close to the work, and teams move with trust, discipline, and speed.

• Driven by work that matters, with a culture grounded in safety, teamwork, transparency, purpose, agility, ambition, and creativity.

We also provide:

Comprehensive Health Benefits

• Full coverage for employee base premiums on health, dental, and vision insurance.

• 70% coverage for spouse and dependent base premiums.

• Choose between base plans or enhanced options to fit your needs.

Health Savings & Flexibility

• Access company-sponsored HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Income Protection & Insurance

• Company-paid Short-Term Disability insurance.

• Optional Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance plans.

Time Off & Leave

• Flexible and generous paid time off, including national holidays and sick leave.

• Paid family leave to support you during important life moments.

Retirement Savings

• Tax-deferred 401(k) plan with a 3% company match to help you invest in your future.

Commuter Benefits

• Pre-tax savings on transit and parking, plus monthly company contributions.

Additional Perks

• Ancillary benefits through Sequoia, including pet insurance and financial wellness programs.

• Employee wellness program to support your well-being.Inclusive of Wellhub & One Medical.

• Company-sponsored events and programs that promote an inclusive and values-driven workplace.

• In person weekly catered lunch every Wednesday.

At AIRCO we value employees for their unique perspectives. We are an inclusive affirmative action Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientat

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