Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field
3+ years managing complex engineering programs, preferably in aerospace or defense
Knowledge of systems engineering and hardware development lifecycle
Hands-on experience with scheduling tools like MS Project or Smartsheet
Experience writing technical proposals and supporting business development
Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and government audiences
U.S. citizen eligible for DoD Secret clearance
Responsibilities
Own scope, schedule, and budget for satellite and propulsion programs from kickoff to delivery
Build and maintain integrated schedules, risk registers, and resource plans
Serve as primary contact for government customers on milestones and deliverables
Run program reviews and keep leadership informed of progress and risks
Partner with engineering on requirements and verification planning
Write and coordinate technical volumes for government proposals
Track contract deliverables and raise issues early
Coordinate suppliers and partners to keep hardware campaigns moving
Build tools and dashboards in Python to track program health
Benefits
Own programs end to end and influence company operations
Work closely with founders and a small engineering team
Contribute to launching new propulsion capabilities for national security
Receive meaningful early-stage equity
Enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited paid time off
Full Job Description
Program Manager - Lead First-Generation Satellite Programs from Kickoff to Flight
El Segundo, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
We are an early-stage space company building advanced electric propulsion and the spacecraft that will fly it. We are hiring a Program Manager to own our first-generation satellite programs, from contract award through hardware delivery. You will keep engineering, customers, and partners aligned, turn technical plans into schedules people trust, and help win the next round of government and commercial work.
This is a builder's seat on a small team, where your planning decides how quickly hardware gets to orbit.
Job Duties
Own scope, schedule, and budget for early satellite and propulsion programs from kickoff through delivery
Build and maintain integrated schedules, risk registers, and resource plans
Serve as the primary point of contact for government customers and partners on milestones and deliverables
Run program reviews and keep leadership informed of progress, risks, and decisions needed
Partner with engineering on requirements, interfaces, verification planning, and other systems engineering tasks
Write and coordinate technical and management volumes for SBIR/STTR and other government proposals
Track contract deliverables, reports, and billing milestones, and raise issues early
Coordinate suppliers, outside test facilities, and partners to keep hardware campaigns moving
Build simple tools and dashboards in Python or similar to track program health
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field
3+ years of experience managing complex engineering programs, ideally in aerospace, satellite, or defense hardware
Working knowledge of systems engineering and the hardware development lifecycle
Hands-on experience with scheduling and program management tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet
Experience writing technical proposals or supporting business development and customer relationships
Clear, concise written and verbal communication with technical and government audiences
U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
Preferred Experience
Familiarity with satellite subsystems, orbital mechanics, or spacecraft manufacturing
Experience with DoD, Space Force, or Air Force Research Laboratory contracts and acquisition
Prior execution of SBIR Phase I or Phase II programs
Basic Python or data analysis skills
Experience at an early-stage hardware startup
PMP or similar certification
Why Join Us
Own programs end to end and set how the company runs programs as it grows
Work directly with the founders and a small team of propulsion and spacecraft engineers
Help put a new propulsion capability into orbit for national security and commercial missions
Meaningful early-stage equity
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and unlimited paid time off
