Aerospace Program Manager (DO-178C)

Aerospace Program Manager (DO-178C) – Freelance Contract in South Bavaria, Germany

South Bavaria, Germany | 12-Month Contract | Long-Term Extension Potential | 3–4 Days Onsite per Week | English Speaking, German Preferred

About the role

A client we are supporting is looking for an experienced Aerospace Program Manager to lead the delivery of complex avionics and embedded software programmes within a safety-critical aerospace environment.

This role combines programme leadership, engineering delivery and certification compliance, with a particular focus on software developed in accordance with DO-178C standards. You will oversee programme execution across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring alignment between software, systems engineering, electronics, certification and commercial stakeholders.

Acting as the primary interface between customers, engineering teams and senior leadership, you will take responsibility for programme planning, risk management, budget performance and certification milestones. You will need to confidently navigate technical discussions and commercial considerations while maintaining delivery commitments in a highly regulated aerospace environment.

The position offers a long-term opportunity to support the development and lifecycle management of aerospace systems, including flight control, actuation, avionics and embedded software solutions. Regular onsite attendance in South Bavaria is required to work closely with engineering and programme stakeholders.

Main responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of aerospace and avionics programmes, from initial planning through to execution and customer acceptance.
• Manage software development programmes operating within DO-178C certification environments.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across software, systems engineering, hardware, electronics, certification, quality and manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain programme schedules, budgets, resource plans and delivery roadmaps.
• Act as the primary customer-facing representative for programme updates, milestones and escalations.
• Manage contractual commitments, commercial performance and programme profitability.
• Maintain programme risk registers and implement effective mitigation plans.
• Monitor delivery KPIs, programme performance metrics and certification milestones.
• Support audits, programme reviews and certification activities with relevant authorities and customers.
• Drive stakeholder communication across executive leadership, engineering teams and external partners.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace development processes, safety requirements and quality standards.

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience as a Program Manager, Project Manager or Delivery Manager within the aerospace industry.
• Strong understanding of DO-178C software development and certification processes.
• Experience managing safety-critical embedded software or avionics development programmes.
• Background leading multidisciplinary engineering teams across software, systems and electronics.
• Demonstrable experience managing programme schedules, budgets, risks and customer relationships.
• Understanding of aerospace systems lifecycle management and certification activities.
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering or a similar technical discipline.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Fluent English language skills.
• Ability to work onsite in South Bavaria 3–4 days per week.

Desirable

• German language skills.
• Experience in avionics, flight controls, actuation systems or aerospace electronics.
• Knowledge of ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-254 or aerospace systems engineering methodologies.
• Familiarity with requirements management and development tools such as DOORS, Polarion or Jama.
• Experience working with EASA, FAA or military aerospace programmes.
• PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent programme management certification.

The offer

• Initial 12-month contract.
• Strong potential for long-term extension.
• Hybrid working model, with 3–4 days onsite in South Bavaria.
• Opportunity to contribute to high-profile aerospace development programmes.
• English-speaking working environment, with German language skills preferred.
• Immediate or flexible start available.