Sr Program Manager, Space Vehicle Build

Sierra Space Careers

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Sr. Program Manager is responsible for leading a program and has overall responsibility and authority for that program/contract's cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role involves comprehensive program planning, execution, and resource management to ensure successful program outcomes. They will have a proven record of successful program management execution, in-depth knowledge across all facets of program management, and proficiency in financial and performance metrics analysis.

The Sr. Program Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives and develop and initiate Learning & Development programs. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex projects, stay updated with the latest industry trends, and contribute to the continuous improvement of program management processes.

In this role, you will lead a program and assume overall responsibility and authority for its cost, schedule, and technical performance, while being accountable for a program, Integrated Product Team (IPT), or portfolio of programs valued up to $250M. You will manage budgets, schedules, and execution in alignment with contractual requirements, developing and maintaining comprehensive program plans, schedules, and budgets. By monitoring program performance, you will implement corrective actions as needed to meet objectives, leveraging specific program management training in EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR, and CAS to ensure success. You will apply advanced project management methodologies and tools, analyze financial and performance metrics to drive decisions and improvements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, and operations.

Additionally, you will communicate program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders, prepare and deliver effective reports and presentations, and ensure compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements. Building strong relationships with external customers and stakeholders will be critical, as will developing and initiating Learning & Development programs to enhance team capabilities. You will apply problem-solving skills to address challenges, lead a single program, an IPT, or a portfolio of programs, and provide mentorship to junior managers. Development Program Managers in this role should have a strong technical background or an engineering degree, while Sustaining Program Managers should possess technical acumen, even if they do not hold an engineering degree. With an external, customer-facing, end-to-end responsibility, you will lead management reviews, interface with financial teams, and drive complex program strategies. You will provide strategic knowledge of the organizational impact on programs, demonstrate proven leadership in removing obstacles that affect performance, and exhibit exceptional skills in high-level stakeholder management and decision-making. Mastery in leading organization-wide program strategies, the ability to lead interdisciplinary teams in program delivery, and strong leadership skills to execute programs without direct authority will be essential to your success.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

The Sr. Program Manager, Space Vehicle Build, is responsible for leading the CRS2 Program's CONOPS for ground operations flow for launch and post landing activities. This role will collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives, including leading team members through all training, both internal and joint training with Flight Ops and customers.

This role involves comprehensive program planning, execution, and resource management to ensure successful program outcomes. They will have a proven record of successful program management execution, in-depth knowledge across all facets of program management, and proficiency in financial and performance metrics analysis.

Key responsibilities:

• The ideal candidate will be accountable for vehicle build strategy, including but not limited to, the integrated schedule, cost account management, resource management, and performance to plan for spacecraft factory and processing operations.
• The ideal candidate will coordinate with Ground Operations, Test Operations, and Production (including logistics and facilities) to establish, maintain, and perform to high fidelity schedules, resource plans, and budgetary estimates on work scope
• The ideal candidate is expected to actively drive the creation and iteration of cross-functional, integrated plans through the entire life of the program
• The ideal candidate will develop and implement metrics and tools that manage work scope, identify trends in performance.
• The ideal candidate will be responsible for making decisions to correct poor performance and execute program objectives within budget
• The ideal candidate is expected to serve a manager role as well as a technical leader with demonstrated skills in communication, delegation, and team-building.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +10 yrs experience).
• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Expert knowledge of all related program management areas, including strategic and operational aspects.
• Leadership and business management skills to direct complex programs and multiple teams.
• Ability to manage high-profile, large-scale programs or a substantial program portfolio.
• Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution in customer and stakeholder interactions.
• Strong financial acumen for managing and reporting on program health and performance.
• Ability to lead programs that significantly impact the organization's strategic goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications: Senior-level project management certifications preferred (e.g., PfMP).
• Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Proficiency in using project management software tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or Asana.
• Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and systems engineering processes.
• Experience with contract management and negotiation.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Strong technical writing skills for creating detailed project documentation and reports.
• Understanding of supply chain management and logistics as they pertain to program execution.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Compensation

Pay Range: $178,145.00 - $244,970.00

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.