IRAD Program Manager

SEAKR Engineering, Inc.; Centennial, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Year-end Bonus

Paid Leave

Job summary

SEAKR Engineering, Inc. is seeking an IRAD Manager to lead program execution, align IRAD activities with roadmaps, and drive cross-functional collaboration in space electronics.

The role reports to the Technical Director and requires guiding IRAD plans through architecture to production, while meeting federal funding rules and schedule constraints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems engineering.
• 10+ years in aerospace with advanced space products.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee IRAD execution to align with roadmaps and schedules.
• Collaborate with Technical Director, Portfolio Chief Engineer, and Fellows.
• Ensure compliance with federal funding rulesets for IRAD projects.
• Support capital investment decisions aligned with IRAD plans.
• Coordinate testing with Radiation Manager for space-grade standards.
• Maintain documentation including risks, milestones and TRLs.

Skills

Program Leadership

IRAD Expertise

Operations Knowledge

Tool Proficiency

Decision Making

Analytical Skills

Autonomy

Multi-Tasking

Communication

Resilience

Attention to Detail

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Project

Jira

Job description

• Compensation: USD 130000 - USD 180000 - yearly

Company Description

Join SEAKR Engineering, a leading-edge provider of advanced electronics for space applications. Pushing the boundaries of technology on a mission to change the world for the better from space.

Job Description

SEAKR® Engineering, LLC (SEAKR) is seeking a proven leader and technical visionary to fulfill theIRAD Managerrole. This is a critical growth position within SEAKR.The successful candidate will report directly to the Technical Director.

In this key position, you will provide program management to realize the Technical Director's roadmaps, architectures, and concepts into efficient IRAD (Independent Research and Development) plans. You will drive the execution of these items through collaboration with cross-functional teams of highly capable space electronics experts. This role is essential for bringing next-generation technologies to SEAKR and to the market.

If you are highly motivated, love challenging yourself, demand excellence, and thrive in a rapid-paced environment managing multiple internally defined programs, this position is for you!

• Program Execution:Manage and oversee SEAKR's technical IRAD execution efforts to bring technologies, products, and solutions to our engineering, product development, program execution, and production efforts.
• Strategic Collaboration:Collaborate closely with SEAKR's Technical Director, Portfolio Chief Engineer, and Engineering Fellows to advance the state of practice in space-based electronics, systems, and payload capabilities.
• Compliance & Funding:Execute IRAD projects to cost and schedule given program execution constraints, ensuring clear statements of work and strict compliance with federal funding rulesets.
• Capital Investment Support:Collaborate with SEAKR's VP of Engineering to support capital investments that align with IRAD plans and long-term strategy.
• Standardization:Work with the Program Management Office to ensure consistency and standardization of processes applicable to IRAD initiatives.
• Market Alignment:Help SEAKR win programs in existing and new markets through robust execution of IRADs timed precisely with market needs and customer requirements.
• Issue Escalation:Provide a clear path for internal company customers to elevate technical issues and share challenges regarding technical problems.
• Testing Coordination:Drive radiation testing coordination in collaboration with the Radiation Manager to ensure hardware meets space-grade standards.
• Leadership Reporting:Support SEAKR's Leadership team by providing quarterly reports on Budget, execution metrics, Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and overall IRAD status.
• Documentation:Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including risk registers, milestone trackers, and technical deliverables.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Adhere to SEAKR rules and regulations as documented in the SEAKR Employee Handbook and applicable operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technical Director or Senior Leadership.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Program Leadership:Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programs from concept to delivery.
• IRAD Expertise:Deep knowledge of all elements of IRAD and technical developments, including foundational technology development, multi-disciplinary systems engineering, and internal relationship management.
• Operations Knowledge:Understanding of company internal operations as they relate to engineering and technology workflows.
• Tool Proficiency:Working knowledge of project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira) and standard office suites (Word, Excel).
• Decision Making:Ability to make decisions in accordance with company policies and practices.
• Analytical Skills:Ability to effectively analyze situations and recommend process improvements.
• Autonomy:Ability to work independently in the identification and coordination of projects.
• Multi-Tasking:Strong ability to organize, prioritize tasks, and multi-task across several concurrent IRAD streams.
• Communication:Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences (engineers, executives, stakeholders).
• Resilience:Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to Detail:Ability to proofread documents and maintain high standards of accuracy.
• Flexibility:Willingness to put in overtime as needed to meet critical milestones.

Education or Formal Training

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline (Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, etc.), or equivalent experience.
• Preferred:PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent project management credential.

Experience

• 10+ yearsof experience in the Aerospace Industry with Advanced Space Products.
• 10+ yearsof experience working in a small-to-mid-sized business environment where adaptability is key.

Additional Information

Compensation: Base salary range is $130,000-180,000, depending on qualifications. SEAKR has very rich medical, dental and vision insurance plans, along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for a year-end bonus. SEAKR offers a variety of paid leave, such as vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA.

SEAKR is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Applications will be accepted until 8/26/26.

Job Location