Job Description

Your Next Career Move Starts Here! 

The Role: IPDT Leader – Aerospace & Defense

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Type: Permanent

What You’ll Do: 

Our client is looking for an experienced Integrated Product Development Team (IPDT) Leader to lead complex aerospace and defense development programs from initial program and technical definition through successful customer delivery.

This position will provide leadership across engineering, program management, certification, operations, finance, suppliers, and customer-facing activities. The IPDT Leader will be responsible for integrating the technical and business elements of assigned programs while ensuring performance against schedule, budget, certification, risk, and customer requirements.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of engineering technical leadership, aerospace program management, aircraft development, and civil and/or military certification experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of complex aerospace and defense development programs, from program and technical definition through successful customer delivery.
• Provide leadership in strategic planning, program governance, organization, business management, technical direction, and execution.
• Lead the integration and coordination of all aspects of the development program, including:
• Engineering and technical requirements
• Operations
• Program finances and budgets
• Supplier activities
• Aircraft options and configurations
• Program schedules and milestones
• Risk and issue management
• Customer requirements
• Ensure program activities remain aligned with established technical, financial, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Participate in and lead program, engineering, customer, marketing, certification, and supplier reviews.
• Provide program visibility and technical support to engineering teams, suppliers, customers, and senior leadership.
• Manage customer expectations through regular communication, technical discussions, program reviews, and formal meetings.
• Manage the development program budget cycle and support associated financial governance.
• Monitor monthly program actuals and provide visibility into financial performance.
• Prepare program forecasts and align cross-functional organizations to ensure financial commitments and program objectives are achieved.
• Lead risk management, issue resolution, and mitigation planning for assigned programs and projects.
• Support development of annual product and program plans, including identification of strategic issues, priorities, and objectives.
• Develop and implement initiatives supporting established program and business objectives.
• Lead or support activities involving:
  • Product change management
  • Aircraft options management
  • Mockups and simulators
  • Training initiatives
  • Earned Value Management (EVM)
  • Performance and reliability targets
• Coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines and business functions to ensure successful execution of program requirements.
• Support aircraft development and certification activities involving civil and/or military certification requirements.
• Work within certification environments involving 14 CFR Part 25 and Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of aerospace and/or defense industry experience involving engineering technical leadership.
• Experience may include a combination of engineering leadership, program management, project management, and organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading complex aircraft development programs.
• Strong understanding of aerospace development program lifecycle and cross-functional program execution.
• Experience with civil and/or military aircraft certification processes.
• Knowledge and experience with 14 CFR Part 25 certification requirements.
• Familiarity working within an Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) environment.
• Advanced knowledge of program and project scheduling.
• Strong understanding of engineering and product change-management processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate multidisciplinary engineering and program teams.
• Strong understanding of the functional responsibilities and internal processes associated with new aircraft development and defense programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing program schedules, milestones, risks, budgets, and technical requirements.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mobilize teams and create a collaborative working environment.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build consensus without direct reporting authority.
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aerospace development environment.
• Proactive, results-oriented approach with a focus on continuous improvement and program execution.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), databases, and related aerospace business systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with experience in the following areas will be particularly well aligned:

• Aerospace & Defense programs
• Integrated Product Development Teams (IPDT/IPT)
• New aircraft development programs
• Engineering technical leadership
• Aircraft program management
• 14 CFR Part 25
• Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)
• Civil aircraft certification
• Military aircraft certification
• Defense aircraft modification or development programs
• Product change management
• Aircraft configuration and options management
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Aircraft performance and reliability programs
• Supplier management
• Customer-facing technical leadership
• Program financial management
• Risk management and mitigation
• PLM and ERP systems

Why Golden Technology? 

Founded in 1997, Golden Technology has grown from a two-person vision into a trusted partner for Fortune 500 clients nationwide. Along the way, we’ve built a culture centered on family, professional growth, and giving back to our communities through our Golden Community initiatives. 

Here’s what sets us apart: 

• Family-first culture that values balance and support. 

• Career development through mentorship, opportunities, and investment in our people. 

• Community impact by dedicating time, talent, and resources to the places we live and work. 

What’s In It for You 

• Exciting opportunities with innovative companies. 

• Guidance from a recruiting team with decades of experience. 

• A professional, supportive culture built on trust and collaboration. 

Ready to take the next step? 
Apply today and let’s build your brighter future together.