Launch & Targets Program Management Specialist

LOCATION: Kirtland AFB, NM

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Secret

CERTIFICATION:

TRAVEL: ~25%

SALARY: $145K+ annually*

*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications

Join Astrion in supporting the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) as a Launch & Targets Program Management Specialist. RSLP plays a pivotal role as the primary provider of Research & Development (R&D) launch services that contribute to National Security objectives. This dynamic program offers critical services such as flight test mission integration, program management, mission planning, range services, payload integration, and much more, supporting both orbital and suborbital missions for various Government customers. RSLP is also responsible for the storage and sustainment of decommissioned Minuteman (MM) and Peacekeeper (PK) missile assets.

This full-time role is based in Albuquerque, NM, and provides an exciting opportunity to work with a team of experts supporting the RSLP mission. As a Space Launch Acquisition & Program Management Specialist, you will apply your expertise in assessing Launch Vehicle (LV) requirements, coordinating and monitoring development activities with Launch Service Contractors (LSC), managing risks, and ensuring successful mission execution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• At least five years of space-related experience in program management, acquisition support, or engineering.
• Experience with orbital and suborbital space launch systems and services.
• Experience supporting acquisition, program management, engineering, or mission integration activities associated with space launch systems and services.
• A collaborative mindset to work effectively with a team of government and industry professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, business, acquisition management, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent technical writing skills and the ability to communicate ideas, recommendations, and solutions to both government and military customers.
• Active DoD SECRET clearance is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS 

• Prior USAF/USSF 63A Acquisition Program Management experience supporting space, launch, missile, or developmental acquisition programs is highly desired.
• Experience supporting SSC, Space Systems Command launch programs, launch service acquisitions, mission integration activities, or National Security Space missions is highly desired.
• Experience supporting acquisition strategy development, contract execution, source selections, task orders, launch service procurements, or program execution activities.
• Active DoD TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility
• PMP, DAWIA/Back-to-Basics Program Management Practitioner or Advanced certification, APDP Level II/III, or equivalent acquisition certification.
• Systems engineering or integration experience.
• Aerospace test and evaluation experience.
• USAF or USSF operational experience is highly desired.
• Familiarity with the Comprehensive Cost and Requirement System (CCaR).
• Experience with ICBM-type systems.
• Master's degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, business, acquisition management, or a related field. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of this role, you will support space launch systems and services for both commercial and deactivated MM/PK assets. You will also contribute to space-related program management and engineering activities, such as strategy development, proposal reviews, and mission execution support. This position serves as a program management-focused integrator responsible for coordinating acquisition, systems engineering, launch execution, mission assurance, and stakeholder activities across multiple launch efforts. This role requires support to mission customers throughout acquisition planning, mission integration, launch preparation, and mission execution activities. The key responsibilities include:

• Launch Vehicle (LV) Program Management: Provide program management and acquisition support for RSLP launch service contracts, including technical oversight, risk management, mission integration, and contractor performance assessment.
• Team Collaboration: Schedule, facilitate, and support integrated product team meetings, program management reviews, technical interchange meetings, and other collaborative efforts.
• Documentation & Compliance: Develop, update, and manage schedules, contract requirements, action items, meeting minutes, and presentation materials while ensuring adherence to national, DoD, and USSF policies.
• Risk Identification: Track mission hardware and software development, identify potential risks, and analyze technical and schedule concerns.
• Launch Campaign Support: Assist with launch preparation activities, including facility support, crew training, and readiness reviews.
• Program Risk Assessment: Evaluate ongoing and planned acquisition activities, identify risks, and provide recommendations for risk mitigation strategies.
• Stakeholder engagement: Support coordination among Government stakeholders, launch service providers, mission customers, and technical authorities to ensure mission success
• Mission Integration: Support mission integration activities including launch vehicle, payload, range, safety, and mission assurance coordination.

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