Program Manager - Landing Gear | Program Ops
South Burlington, VT
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT – 01-6401 Program Operations /
Full Time Exempt /
On-site
At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.
The Landing Gear Program Manager will be responsible for leading the development, integration, and certification of landing gear systems across BETA's conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft portfolio. This role requires strategic program management and the ideal candidate will be able to contribute hands-on systems engineering leadership to deliver innovative solutions for next-generation aviation.
The candidate will lead cross-disciplinary Integrated Product Teams (IPT) including design engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, materials science, and certification engineers while defining system architecture and technical requirements. They will drive platform strategy to maximize component commonality across aircraft types, manage critical supplier relationships, and ensure certification compliance for both conventional and emerging eVTOL applications.
How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:
- The Landing Gear Program Manager will be accountable for defining landing gear system architecture across BETA's aircraft portfolio, managing technical requirements, and overseeing the complete system lifecycle from conceptual design through certification, production, and obsolescence
- Lead end-to-end program management for landing gear systems including scope, schedule, budget, and risk management
- Develop platform strategy for landing gear systems to maximize commonality between CTOL and VTOL configurations while optimizing performance for each aircraft's unique requirements
- Provide regular executive updates on program progress, milestones, risks, and budget status across all organizational levels
- Coordinate with Tier 1 aerospace suppliers to ensure landing gear development, design, qualification, and manufacturing efforts support aircraft certification and production schedules
- Manage supplier relationships for scalable component solutions including shock struts, wheels, brakes, tires, and sensors serving both VTOL and CTOL applications
- Manage comprehensive certification strategy ensuring compliance with applicable FAA Part 23 requirements and emerging AAM/eVTOL guidelines
- Coordinate with Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) and certification authorities throughout the approval process
- Lead integrated product teams including mechanical engineers, materials scientists, certification engineers, manufacturing specialists, and external suppliers
- Work between interfacing system teams, including structures, flight sciences and flight test
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineering & production teams to develop scalable build processes, common tooling strategies, and maintenance procedures across aircraft platforms
- Support defining landing gear system architecture and technical baselines across both platforms
- Establish comprehensive system requirements, structural interface definitions, electrical/hydraulic integration specifications, and verification test plans
- Drive technical decision-making to balance performance, cost, and certification requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering field
- 8+ years in aerospace systems development with minimum 5+ years in program/project management roles
- 3+ years working with aircraft landing gear systems, certification processes, or related mechanical systems
- Experience managing Tier 1 aerospace suppliers and complex vendor relationships
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for multi-stakeholder environments
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for multi-stakeholder technical environments
- Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities
Above and Beyond Qualifications:
- Systems engineering experience writing requirements, writing verification test plans, and documenting structural interfaces and other integrations
- Experience with both rotorcraft/VTOL and fixed-wing aircraft systems and their operational differences
- Background in eVTOL, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications
- Familiarity with landing gear standards including SAE AS8049, AS1362, and FAA Advisory Circulars
- Experience with diverse actuation systems (hydraulic, electric, electrohydraulic)
- Working knowledge of CAD/analysis tools and design data management
- Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Jira, etc.)
- Background in cost optimization and design-to-cost strategies for scalable production
- Microsoft 365 proficiency including SharePoint, Project, and Office Suite
- PMP certification
$115,000 - $155,000 a year
The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.
Build electric airplanes with us!
We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.
Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.
