Meltem ESER ÖĞÜŞ
Ankara
Summary
Experienced and accomplished Program Manager with a strong record of overseeing and executing complex aerospace and defence programs. Skilled in coordinating and integrating diverse technical disciplines to achieve project goals. Proficient in proactive risk identification and mitigation, inspiring cross-functional teams, and driving operational excellence. Seeking a challenging opportunity to leverage program management expertise and make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
ASELSAN
02.2025 - Current
- Managing the AHTAPOT 100 project under the Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting Systems Division.
- Overseeing project planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
- Coordinating daily project activities across engineering, procurement, and production teams.
- Tracking project timelines, budgets, and deliverables while proactively managing risks and scope changes.
- Collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to align technical requirements and customer expectations.
- Preparing project documentation and progress reports to maintain transparency and drive decision-making.
- Facilitating communication among engineering teams, suppliers, and internal departments.
- Supporting system-level integration and testing activities.
Program Manager
Turkish Aerospace
08.2022 - 01.2025
- Directed, coordinated, and evaluated the ANKA program, ensuring smooth execution throughout its lifecycle.
- Managed a budget exceeding $100 million and supervised multiple projects to ensure successful delivery and client satisfaction.
- Achieved a 175% increase in production rate within a year through strategic leadership and planning.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align program objectives with organizational goals.
- Monitored processes, identified improvement opportunities, and managed risks and scope.
- Presented project status reports to senior management and stakeholders.
- Developed strategies to enhance team collaboration and performance.
- Served as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders.
- Resolved project issues and conflicts by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
- Mentored and coached team members to support professional growth.
Project Engineer
Turkish Aerospace
02.2021 - 08.2022
- Managed the ANKA/AKSUNGUR UAV Programs, overseeing all production-related processes.
- Increased production performance and rates by 200% within a year.
- Ensured timely aircraft delivery to internal customers, maintaining quality and budget adherence.
- Monitored and controlled project progress and risk.
- Negotiated internal contract activities between departments.
- Promoted best practices to boost operational efficiency.
- Acted as the main liaison for internal stakeholders.
System Engineer
Turkish Aerospace
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Conducted system engineering activities for the Rotary Cargo UAV (RIHA).
- Translated high-level requirements into functional design criteria.
- Coordinated disciplines like Avionics, Thrust, Electrical, C2, and Structures.
- Contributed to system architecture and managed requirement changes.
Material Review Board Engineering Specialist
Turkish Aerospace
05.2007 - 08.2020
- Addressed non-conforming parts and assembly issues in compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated with internal teams and customers to resolve issues efficiently.
- Used electronic systems to document and track discrepancies.
- Mentored junior engineers and conducted MRB training.
- Reviewed and approved dispositions to ensure compliance.
- GMH (Turkish Utility Helicopter) – 2020: Delegated with MRB authority; led a team of 3 engineers.
- TIHA UAV Program (2010–2019): Delegated with MRB authority.
- JSF – F-35 Manufacturing Program (2010–2019): Held Extended Preliminary Authorization.
- Airbus Projects – A319/A320/A321 & A400M (2007–2010): Final Assembly Line (Spain, 2008–2010), Integrated Fuselage Line (Germany, 2009–2010).
Education
MBA - Online Education
Başkent University
06.2021
MSc - Mechanical Engineering
Middle East Technical University
01.2010
BSc - Mechanical Engineering
Middle East Technical University
01.2007
High School Diploma -
Izmir Anatolian High School
06.2001
Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Communication
- Dependable and Responsible
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Decision-Making
Certification
- Agile Project Management and Scrum Methodology, Yıldız Technical University-SEM, 02/01/24
- Project Management Expertise, Yıldız Technical University-SEM, 02/01/24
- Professional Scrum Master (PSM I), Scrum.org, 05/01/23
- Goethe-Zertifikat B1, Goethe Institute Ankara, 10/01/18
Languages
Turkish
English
German
Spanish
Project Contributions
- GMH (Turkish Utility Helicopter), 2020, Delegated with MRB authority; led a team of 3 engineers.
- TIHA UAV Program, 2010-2019, Delegated with MRB authority.
- JSF – F-35 Manufacturing Program, 2010-2019, Held Extended Preliminary Authorization.
- Airbus Projects – A319/A320/A321 & A400M, 2007-2010, Final Assembly Line (Spain, 2008–2010), Integrated Fuselage Line (Germany, 2009–2010).
Timeline
Project Manager
ASELSAN
02.2025 - Current
Program Manager
Turkish Aerospace
08.2022 - 01.2025
Project Engineer
Turkish Aerospace
02.2021 - 08.2022
System Engineer
Turkish Aerospace
08.2020 - 02.2021
Material Review Board Engineering Specialist
Turkish Aerospace
05.2007 - 08.2020
MSc - Mechanical Engineering
Middle East Technical University
BSc - Mechanical Engineering
Middle East Technical University
High School Diploma -
Izmir Anatolian High School
MBA - Online Education
Başkent University