Deputy Program Manager

Peraton; Kansas; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor based in Kansas is seeking a Deputy Program Manager for the HADES program. This pivotal role requires maintaining Top-Secret clearance and offers the chance to shape space operations through management of critical missions. Responsibilities include overseeing project execution, coordinating with government entities, and ensuring compliance with robust operational standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program management within DoD environments, with 10+ years of experience in relevant fields. Join us to push the boundaries in space technology!

Qualifications

• Minimum of Top-Secret/SCI clearance required.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in program or project management.
• 5+ years of experience within DoD, space, or intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary deputy and authority to the Program Manager.
• Support contract functions including risk, cost, and schedule management.
• Coordinate with Government counterparts and internal teams.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Ground systems engineering

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM or Management

PMP or equivalent certification

Advanced degree in STEM or management

Job description

Required Qualifications

• This position requires the candidate possess a minimum of Top-Secret/SCI clearance. The candidate must maintain the clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM or Management field with 10+ years of experience.
• 5+ years of program or project management experience within DoD, space, intelligence, or related mission areas.
• Experience supporting programs with annual value of $5M+ and teams of 10+ personnel.
• Knowledge of ground systems engineering, sustainment, integration, or operations.
• Understanding of DoD acquisition, contracting, finance, budgeting, and technical review processes.
• Strong communication, leadership, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate in secure, high-tempo environments.

Desired Qualifications

• PMP or equivalent program management certification (e.g., CSM, CAPM, PRINCE2, CPM).
• Experience supporting space-ground system programs within Space Systems Command or similar organizations.
• Experience with satellite ground systems, satellite operations centers (SOCs), cybersecurity accreditation, and cloud architectures.
• Familiarity with DoD and U.S. Air Force policies, including compliance with AFI 33-119 and AFI 33-202V1.
• Advanced degree in STEM or management-related field.

The Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES) program is an exciting and cutting‑edge initiative led by the U.S. Space Force, offering a unique opportunity to work on the forefront of space operations and technology. HADES focuses on the development, integration, and sustainment of prototype and operational satellite ground systems, satellite operations centers (SOCs), and critical support services. This program plays a vital role in supporting the Research and Development Space and Missile Operations (RDSMO) Ground System Enterprise (GSE) and is headquartered at the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Support Complex (RSC) at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

As the Deputy Program Manager, you’ll support and contribute to day‑to‑day program execution, internal coordination, and contractor team leadership in support of mission objectives. You will assist in executing contract functions including risk, cost, schedule, staffing, and performance oversight while maintaining situational awareness across program activities. This is a high‑tempo, mission‑critical environment where your work will directly support mission success and operational delivery.

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a team that is shaping the future of space operations. If you’re ready to take on challenging, meaningful work in a secure and scalable environment, we want to hear from you. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space technology and operations!

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary deputy and delegated authority to the Program Manager for day‑to‑day program execution and internal coordination.
• Support execution of all contract functions, including quality, safety, security, risk, cost, schedule, subcontractor oversight, and workforce management.
• Maintain situational awareness of task order performance, risks, milestones, staffing, and system dependencies, ensuring timely escalation and mitigation planning.
• Coordinate with Government counterparts, partner organizations, and internal teams to support delivery of engineering, sustainment, cybersecurity, logistics, and facilities services.
• Support project planning and control activities, including billing and invoicing to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Assist in preparation and delivery of Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and recurring Government status meetings, ensuring accuracy of reporting.
• Manage and track cross‑team integration activities to maintain synchronization across mission partners and vendors.
• Oversee configuration management, information management, and cost inputs, including monthly performance tracking.
• Ensure personnel compliance with Government policies, security directives, and operational procedures.
• Coordinate staffing activities including onboarding, training, certification tracking, and personnel scheduling.
• Support subcontractor performance oversight and coordination.
• Lead internal action tracking, maintain documentation baselines, and support process improvement efforts.
• Support risk management activities, including identification and mitigation tracking.
• Ensure compliance with Government Furnished Property (GFP), property accountability, and security requirements.

***This position is contingent upon award of contract***