Program Governance & Configuration Manager

Program Governance & Configuration Manager 

About Otto Aerospace 

OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance. 

 About the Role 

The Program Governance & Configuration Manager is responsible for the operation, integrity, and continuous improvement of the Configuration Management system and Program Management Office governance processes across the organization. 

 This role ensures that the company operates with clarity, discipline, and accountability by maintaining configuration control, enforcing standardized processes, and facilitating structured decision-making through forums such as the Change Control Board (CCB). 

 Working within the Program Management Office (PMO), this role partners closely with Engineering, Integrated Operations, and Digital Enterprise teams to ensure consistent execution, enable scalable operations, and provide visibility into program status, change activity, and compliance. 

 What You'll Do 

• Serve as the owner for Configuration Management, ensuring the integrity, traceability, and accessibility of configuration data across the product lifecycle 
• Own and operate the end-to-end change management process, including administration and continuous improvement of the Change Control Board (CCB), ensuring timely decision-making and closure of actions 
• Define, implement, and enforce standardized program processes, ensuring consistency across programs, functions, and teams 
• Drive compliance to Configuration Management and program governance processes, identifying gaps and partnering with stakeholders to implement corrective actions 
• Partner with Digital Enterprise and Engineering teams to ensure tools (PLM, document management, workflows) are aligned with and enable standardized processes and data integrity 
• Establish and track key performance indicators related to configuration status, change cycle time, and process adherence, providing clear visibility to leadership 
• Identify inefficiencies in workflows, tools, and execution, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase operational efficiency and program effectiveness 
• Act as a central coordination point across Engineering, Integrated Operations, and Program teams to align on processes, priorities, and execution expectations 
• Support program teams with guidance, training, and hands-on facilitation to ensure adoption of Configuration Management and Program governance processes 
• Provide structured, decision-ready insight into configuration status, risks, and change activity to enable leadership decision-making 

 Who You Are 

• System Thinker: You see the organization as an interconnected system, not a collection of individual processes. You understand how configuration, change management, and program execution tie together, and you optimize it for clarity, consistency, and scalability across the whole. 
   
• Owner and Steward: You don’t just define processes – you ensure they are followed and own the outcomes. You establish clear expectations, reinforce discipline, and hold teams accountable to standards that enable predictable and repeatable execution. 
   
• Operational Leader: You bring structure and order to complexity. You identify inefficiencies, remove friction, and ensure that workflows, tools, and teams operate together in a way that drives speed and effectiveness.  You enable strong, structured decision-making. You ensure that the right information is available at the right time, that stakeholders are aligned, and that decisions are made with clarity and accountability. 
   
• Connector & Integrator: You ensure information flows cleanly across teams and levels. You bridge gaps across functions and ensure alignment.  You translate process into practice and keep teams operating with shared understanding. 

• Steady under Fire: You remain composed in ambiguous or fast-moving situations. You bring order to uncertainty through data, structure, and clear thinking, enabling teams to move forward with confidence. 

  Education / Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, or a related field 
• **Must have Aviation manufacturing experience**
• A minimum of eight (8) years in configuration management, engineering operations, program management, digital tools, or related roles 
• A minimum of ten (10) years of total experience (an equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered) 
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a formal or informal leadership position 
• Experience operating and maintaining Configuration Management and change control processes in a complex development environment 
• Demonstrated experience enforcing standardized processes and driving organizational compliance 
• Experience supporting or administering governance forums such as Change Control Boards (CCB) and Risk, Opportunities, & Issue Management (RIO) Board 
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, document management systems, and workflow tools 
• Strong cross-functional experience working with Engineering, Integrated Operations and Program teams in new aircraft development 
• Extensive experience in Jira is preferred 
• Experience with MS Project, Primavera/P6, Jama, and/or other project management tools 

 Required Skills 

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and sustaining standard processes 
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities 
• Ability to work cross-functionally, build relationships, and manage conflict with minimal direction 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence without authority 
• Proactive communication and follow-through to ensure execution and closure 
• Ability to independently prioritize work and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment 
• Demonstrated ability to drive accountability and execution discipline across teams 
• Experience with Dassault 3DX or similar PLM systems is preferred 

Where You'll Be 

Otto Aerospace is currently a remote workplace. We will relocate to our permanent headquarters in Jacksonville, FL beginning in 2026. This role is expected to relocate at that time. This role will be required to travel 25% to meet at our temporary facility in Fort Worth, TX (prior to relocation) or other locations in support of program activities. 

Benefits 

Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short term disability, voluntary long-term disability and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options. 

Otto Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

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