This position is remote; however, preference will be given to candidates located
in the Los Angeles/Cudahy area to support occasional onsite collaboration and
business needs.
The Project Manager (PM) will lead and oversee the project execution for key
accounts across multiple divisions within the Aerospace & Defense business unit.
In this role, the PM will own and lead business review(s), stakeholder
engagement/management, and partner with operations and commercial leadership to
foster continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will ensure
projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the exacting
quality and compliance standards required by the aerospace and defense industry.
This position requires strong communication and organizational skills, deep
knowledge of aerospace quality systems, and the ability to build trusted
relationships with customers while driving operational excellence and
zero-incident safety performance.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Provide leadership, oversight, and day-to-day management of all MISTRAS
Aerospace & Defense projects, including NDT/NDI (UT, RT, PT, MT, VT, PAUT,
and related advanced methods), access services, and supporting industrial
services.
Manage project scope, schedule, resources, budget, and deliverables from
planning through closeout; develop and implement planning, cost control, and
progress-tracking systems.
Build and sustain strong customer relationships; serve as the primary point
of contact for clients, delivering regular status updates, KPI reports, and
ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.
Ensure strict adherence to HSE, quality, and regulatory requirements
(including applicable aerospace/defense standards such as Nadcap, AS9100,
ITAR, and customer-specific procedures).
Lead risk management efforts, resolve field issues and unanticipated
complexities promptly, and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality,
and efficiency.
Assist with proposal development, scope definition, and budget estimation for
new and ongoing Aerospace & Defense projects.
Prepare and deliver accurate daily/weekly status reports, staffing plans,
work-location tracking, and performance metrics to both customers and
internal leadership.
Demonstrate accessible, visible leadership that promotes positive employee
morale, accountability, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering,
Business, Project Management, or a related technical field preferred.
5+ years of Project Management, with at least 3 years managing Tier 1 or Tier
2 Suppliers (Aerospace & Defense experience strongly preferred).
Solid technical background in testing, inspections, and certifications,
preferably within non-destructive test methods.
Prior experience working in regulated industries with strict quality, safety,
and compliance requirements (aerospace, defense, or similar highly regulated
sectors).
Strong customer relationship and communication skills (written and verbal);
proven ability to manage stakeholders and deliver under pressure.
Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams with a track record of
maintaining exceptional HSE performance and meeting project KPIs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools;
experience with data extraction, KPI reporting, and large
worklists/spreadsheets.
Willingness and ability to maintain a strong leadership presence, including
travel to customer sites as required.
S. citizenship or ability to meet ITAR and other security/compliance
requirements may be necessary depending on specific projects; active or
ability to obtain security clearance preferred for certain defense work.
Preferred Qualifications:
PMP or equivalent project management certification.
API, ASNT, or other relevant NDT certifications.
Experience with aerospace primes, defense contractors, or FAA-related work.
Familiarity with MISTRAS systems or similar asset integrity/project
management platforms.
Additional Requirements:
Pass pre-employment background check, alcohol/drug screen, and any required
medical evaluations.
Maintain relevant certifications and continue professional development as
required.
Demonstrate the highest commitment to safety, quality culture, and ethical
conduct in all
The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually, depending
on experience and qualifications.