About Sarla Aviation
Sarla Aviation is at the forefront of revolutionizing urban air mobility with its cutting-edge eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft featuring innovative tilt-rotor technology. Sarla Aviation, a pioneer in the development of sustainable, efficient, and safe air transportation systems, is dedicated to influencing the future of aviation.
About The Role
We are looking for a highly driven and execution-focused Project Manager to support our Aircraft Program Management team. Working closely with the Program Manager, you will own day-to-day scheduling, cross‑functional coordination, risk tracking, and delivery accountability across the aircraft development lifecycle from design and prototyping to flight testing, certification, and initial production. This high-impact role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain, Certification, Test & Evaluation, and Operations teams to ensure milestones are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget in a fast-paced startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery for assigned program workstreams.
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, work breakdown structures, and milestone trackers aligned to program-level gates
- Translate high-level program objectives from the Program Manager into actionable, time-bound project plans for engineering and cross-functional teams
- Facilitate project kickoffs, design reviews (PDR, CDR), and readiness reviews with structured agendas and documented action items
- Maintain real-time visibility into the critical path and proactively manage schedule risks before they become delays
- Build and manage detailed visual charts and project timelines using tools such as MS Project or Jira
- Identify, document, and manage project risks and issues using structured risk registers and mitigation plans.
- Coordinate with cross functional teams and drive resolution of cross-functional blockers, escalating to the Program Manager when needed
- Lead weekly project standups, status reviews, and action item tracking across teams
- Track supplier deliverables, monitor lead times, and coordinate qualification and acceptance activities
- Assist in scope-of-work definition, milestone planning, and performance monitoring for external vendors
- Work closely with the certification team to ensure project activities are aligned with DGCA regulatory timelines and documentation requirements
- Understand the certification basis (e.g., DGCA CARs, FAR Part 23, SC-VTOL, MoC) well enough to reflect certification milestones accurately in project schedules
- Prepare weekly and monthly project status reports for the Program Manager and internal stakeholders
- Maintain organized and up-to-date project documentation (schedules, meeting notes, risk logs, action trackers) in a shared project management environment
- Contribute to lessons-learned documentation and continuous process improvement
Typical Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field. Master's degree in Engineering or MBA is a bonus.
- 6-8 years of project management experience, with at least 3-4 years in aerospace, aviation, defense, or advanced mobility environments
- Demonstrated experience managing hardware development projects through key design milestones (PDR, CDR, first article, qualification testing)
- Experience in a startup or high-growth R&D environment is a strong plus. Comfort with ambiguity and changing priorities is essential
- Familiarity with aircraft certification processes such as DGCA CARs, FAR Part 23/25, EASA CS-23, or SC-VTOL, including compliance planning and regulatory engagement.
- PMP (Project Management Professional) is preferred. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or SAFe Agile certification is a plus
- Proficiency in project scheduling tools: MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent
- Working knowledge of JIRA or similar issue-tracking systems
- Familiarity with PLM/PDM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and configuration management principles
- Strong cross-functional leadership — ability to drive accountability without direct authority
- Clear, concise communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
- Proactive problem-solver with a bias toward early escalation over delayed surprises
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment where processes are still being built
Why Join Us
Be a part of a world-class team in an environment where your work directly contributes to shaping the future of urban air mobility.
Thrive in our culture of diversity, inclusion, and innovation, where your unique perspectives and ideas are valued.
Enjoy a competitive compensation package, with opportunities for growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.
Sarla Aviation is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, championing equality and empowering every individual. We believe that our strength lies in our differences, not just our similarities. Therefore, we warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Join us at Sarla Aviation, where your unique background and perspective are not just welcomed—they are celebrated. 
