Launch & Targets Program Management Specialist

Astrion; Kirtland (NM); On-site; USD 121,500 - 148,500; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks a Launch & Targets Program Management Specialist to support the US Space Force Space Systems Command's Rocket Systems Launch Program. Based in Albuquerque with ~25% travel, the role oversees requirements assessment, coordination with Launch Service Contractors, risk management, and mission execution.

You will work with government and industry teams, applying program management, engineering and mission integration skills.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Excellent technical writing skills and ability to communicate ideas, recommendations, and solutions to government and military customers.
• Active DoD SECRET clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Launch Vehicle 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.

Skills

Space experience

Orbital/suborbital launch knowledge

Program management

Technical writing

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/related field

Master’s degree in engineering/related field

Job description

Launch & Targets Program Management Specialist

Overview

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 provides research & development launch services that support national security objectives. This program offers flight test mission integration, program management, mission planning, range services, payload integration, and more, supporting orbital and suborbital missions.

This full‑time role is based in Albuquerque, NM, and offers an opportunity to work with experts supporting the RSLP mission. As a Space Launch Acquisition & Program Management Specialist, you will assess launch vehicle requirements, coordinate and monitor development activities with Launch Service Contractors, manage risks, and ensure successful mission execution.

Location

Kirtland AFB, NM

Job Status

Full‑time

Clearance

Secret

Travel

~25%

Salary

Estimated $135,000 annually* (depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications)

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.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, business, acquisition management, or a related field.
• Excellent technical writing skills and 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.
• Experience supporting SSC, Space Systems Command launch programs, launch service acquisitions, mission integration activities, or National Security Space missions.
• 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.
• Familiarity with the Comprehensive Cost and Requirements 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. The key responsibilities are:

• 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.