Job Summary

The Program Manager III will be responsible for leading and executing complex aerospace contracts, providing program leadership, direction, and guidance to ensure successful execution within budget, schedule, and technical specifications. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in the aerospace industry and possess strong leadership and management skills in space flight hardware development. They will also be responsible for managing budgets, implementing risk management processes, and serving as the primary interface with program customers.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Lead the implementation and execution of complex aerospace contracts.
• Provide overall program leadership, direction, and guidance that ensures. successful program execution in accordance with budget, schedule, contract, resourcing planning, and technical specifications.
• Develop and maintain metrics and data reports to monitor program process and performance.
• Address program challenges and develop plans to resolve issues, as required.
• Serve as the primary interface with the program customer and main LASP representative on all program matters.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures, assess risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Manage budgets and implementation of capital equipment and facility projects.
• Implement risk and opportunity management processes to mitigate or capture potential program issues and improvements.
• Utilize Earned Value (EV) and Earned Value Management (EVM) processes and practices including variance reporting.
• Lead change proposal efforts for the program, including pre-coordination with the customer.
• Mentor and lead junior program staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• This position may travel occasionally as needed.
• Must be on-site at least 3 days per week.
• Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.

What We Can Offer

• $182,820 - $202,064 per year

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of engineering, business, or science.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in the aerospace industry and at least 5 years in a technical or programmatic leadership role.
• Master's degree or Ph.D., may substitute for part of relevant experience level.
• Strong leadership and management experience in space flight hardware development.
• Subcontract management and supplier oversight experience.
• Ability to travel and commute between LASP facilities as required.

What You Will Need

• Ability to function well in a team-based environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and written skills.
• Ability to take personal responsibility for projects and work independently.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Space flight aerospace program or project management experience.
• Direct experience with NASA, NOAA, USGS Program Management.
• Knowledge of NASA Announcement of Opportunity (AO) process.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 7/29/26 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.