Spacecraft Program Manager

Position Overview

Join a pioneering space technology firm focused on the design, manufacture, and operation of advanced small satellites for commercial, government, and scientific missions. The company specializes in developing cost-effective, high-performance spacecraft supporting applications such as Earth observation, communications, technology demos, scientific studies, and space exploration.

Role Summary

We are looking for a skilled Spacecraft Program Manager to oversee the lifecycle of small satellite projects. This role blends strong project leadership with technical expertise in spacecraft systems. Responsibilities include collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, customers, vendors, and leadership to ensure successful program execution from contract award through launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the entire spacecraft program lifecycle from initial concept to handoff to launch service providers.
• Create and manage detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, software, integration, and production teams to maintain alignment and meet goals.
• Track program performance, identify risks, and implement corrective measures to keep projects on schedule and budget.
• Act as the primary liaison for customers during program execution.
• Provide regular updates on project milestones, status, technical progress, and risks to customers, executives, and stakeholders.
• Lead customer meetings, technical reviews, and status discussions to facilitate effective decision making.
• Collaborate with hardware/software teams to resolve technical issues and optimize spacecraft design and mission performance.
• Support compliance with regulatory applications needed for space missions.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks with relevant mitigation strategies to secure mission success.
• Contribute to business development by preparing budgets, schedules, resource estimates, and risk evaluations for new opportunities.
• Ensure availability of personnel, equipment, materials, and other resources required for program delivery.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• At least 5 years of relevant technical experience, ideally in small satellite or spacecraft program support.
• Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft lifecycle stages from contract award to launch execution.
• Familiarity with spacecraft assembly, integration, and environmental test procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities for technical and program decisions.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with customers, leadership, engineers, and external parties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven project management experience with industry-standard tools and best practices.
• In-depth technical expertise in satellite system design, integration, testing, manufacturing, and operations.
• Leadership experience managing cross-disciplinary engineering and production teams.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards, regulations, and best practices for spacecraft development.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent credential is advantageous.
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances for government contracts.

Compensation

• Deputy Program Manager: $100,000 to $130,000 USD per year
• Program Manager: $120,000 to $160,000 USD per year
• Senior Program Manager: $150,000 to $200,000 USD per year

Additional Information

• Employment type: Full-time
• Location: Littleton, CO – Hybrid schedule requiring minimum 3–4 days onsite weekly
• Travel: Occasional trips may be needed to attend customer meetings, partner activities, regulatory compliance, and launch support.

Export Compliance

This position involves access to export-controlled technologies, technical data, software, and services. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise meet U.S. export control protections.