The Role: Deputy Program Manager for Propulsion Development
The Deputy Program Manager for Propulsion Development will partner with leaders from manufacturing, engineering, test, purchasing and sales to develop Venus propulsion systems. You will own program requirements, schedules, and budgets and ensure the integrated team delivers propulsion systems with exceptional performance and propellant mass fraction that are manufacturable and marketable. This is a hands-on program leadership role in a rapidly evolving startup environment.
What You'll Get To Do- Program Leadership: ensure alignment between Venus Aerospace business plan and technology roadmap.
- Program Execution: Deconflict resources and set priorities. Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance from design through manufacturing, integration, test, and deployment.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering to translate mission needs into product requirements, guide design reviews, and manage technical or contractual changes. Work with manufacturing to ensure designs can be manufactured; supply chains can support timelines and prioritize work. Work with test to ensure the design of experiments meet exit criteria and achieve product performance.
- Customer Engagement: Lead program reviews, present technical and schedule briefings, negotiate requirements, and maintain strong relationships with customer stakeholders.
- Risk Management: Identify program risks early, develop mitigation plans, and maintain schedule fidelity under aggressive timelines.
- Proposal & Contract Management: Lead proposal efforts and contract negotiations, ensuring technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, and compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements.
What You Have- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
- Excellent communication and technical writing skills, including preparation of CDRLs and technical data packages
- 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or national security programs
- 5+ years of experience as a Program Manager in aerospace
- Proven track record of excellence and achievement
- Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs to cost and schedule.
- U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
What Will Set You Apart- Familiarity with USG programs, acquisitions, and operational concepts.
- Understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, contracting, and operational concepts.
- Familiarity with government acquisition processes, requirements decomposition, and systems verification.
- Familiarity with rapid prototyping, OTA contracts, and accelerated development environments.
Location:On-site in Houston, TX
Benefits:Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.
ITAR RequirementsThis position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITARhere.
