Spacecraft Program Manager

Location: Littleton, CO (Hybrid – Minimum 3–4 Days per Week Onsite)

Compensation

Deputy Program Manager: $100,000 – $130,000 USDProgram Manager: $120,000 – $160,000 USDSenior Program Manager: $150,000 – $200,000 USD

About the Opportunity

Join an innovative space technology company developing, manufacturing, and operating advanced small satellite systems for commercial, civil, and government missions. This organization is dedicated to delivering cost-effective, high-performance spacecraft that support Earth observation, communications, technology demonstrations, scientific research, and space exploration.

We are seeking a Spacecraft Program Manager to lead the development, production, and delivery of small satellite missions. This role is ideal for an experienced aerospace professional who combines strong project management capabilities with a solid technical understanding of spacecraft systems.

You'll work closely with engineering, manufacturing, customers, vendors, and leadership to successfully execute satellite programs from contract award through launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance throughout the complete spacecraft program lifecycle, from concept development through delivery to the launch service provider.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, integration, software, production, and other functional organizations to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Monitor program performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout program execution.
• Communicate project status, milestones, technical updates, and program risks to customers, senior leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Lead customer meetings, technical reviews, and program status discussions to support decision-making and project alignment.
• Collaborate with hardware and software engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize spacecraft design, integration, and overall mission performance.
• Support regulatory agency application processes required for spacecraft missions.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks while developing mitigation strategies to ensure successful mission outcomes.
• Support business development activities by developing project budgets, schedules, resource estimates, and risk assessments for new opportunities.
• Secure the personnel, equipment, materials, and other resources necessary for successful program execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of technical experience, preferably supporting small satellite or spacecraft programs.
• Strong understanding of the complete spacecraft lifecycle, from contract award through launch.
• Knowledge of spacecraft assembly, integration, and environmental testing activities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound technical and programmatic decisions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage customers, executives, engineering teams, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong project management experience utilizing industry-standard project management tools and methodologies.
• Technical knowledge of satellite system design, integration, testing, manufacturing, and mission operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering and production teams.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to spacecraft development.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is a plus.

Ability to obtain any required security clearances to support U.S. Government programs.

Why Join Us?

Lead next-generation spacecraft programs from concept through launch.

Work alongside experienced engineers, manufacturing teams, and mission operations specialists.

Play a key role in delivering innovative satellite missions for commercial and government customers.

Enjoy broad ownership across the full spacecraft development lifecycle.

Join a collaborative organization where your leadership directly impacts mission success and the future of space technology.

Additional Information

Employment Type: Full-TimeLocation: Littleton, CO (Hybrid – minimum 3–4 days per week onsite)Travel: Occasional travel may be required to support customer meetings, partner engagements, regulatory activities, and launch-related operations.

Export ComplianceThis position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or otherwise qualify as a protected person under applicable U.S. export control regulations.