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Program Manager, Government & Defense

New Britain, Pennsylvania
Full Time On-site

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.

About AIRCO

AIRCO

AIRCO is an advanced energy technology company developing next-generation fuel production systems that convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into synthetic fuels and chemicals. The company operates at the intersection of defense, advanced manufacturing, energy security, aerospace, and industrial innovation, creating deployable technologies designed to reduce dependence on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Rather than simply producing sustainable fuels, AIRCO develops modular manufacturing systems and licensable production technologies that enable fuel generation wherever it is needed—including contested, remote, and expeditionary environments.

For job seekers, AIRCO offers opportunities across chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing, systems engineering, robotics, software development, chemistry, operations, defense programs, supply chain, and research & development. The company is particularly attractive to engineers, scientists, veterans, and mission-driven professionals who want to help solve some of the military’s most challenging logistics and energy resilience problems while developing technologies with applications across both defense and commercial aviation.

Unlike traditional defense contractors that primarily manufacture weapons or platforms, AIRCO focuses on transforming how fuel is produced and delivered. Its technologies support decentralized fuel production, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), synthetic diesel, rocket fuel, and deployable manufacturing systems that can operate in austere environments. The company’s work spans advanced catalysis, modular production infrastructure, carbon conversion technology, autonomous fuel systems, and energy resilience—capabilities that directly support future military operations where logistics and fuel availability are strategic advantages. AIRCO has partnered with organizations including the U.S. Department of Defense, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the U.S. Air Force, and NASA to advance next-generation operational energy capabilities.

As defense organizations continue investing in operational energy resilience, expeditionary logistics, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation aviation fuels, AIRCO is emerging as one of the most innovative companies in the defense energy ecosystem. For professionals seeking a career focused on engineering innovation, national security, advanced manufacturing, and technologies that will help shape the future of military operations and aerospace, AIRCO offers the opportunity to work on mission-critical solutions with both domestic and global impact.

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