Program Manager

longshot; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid sick leave

90-day integration period

Job summary

Longshot Space Technologies is seeking a Technical Program Manager to own the master schedule and drive execution across hardware development programs. You will embed with a small, fast-moving engineering team where the schedule is the primary tool for keeping hardware, regulatory, and procurement workstreams aligned.

This role requires coordinating across disciplines, identifying risks early, and keeping leadership informed of program status.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of program or project management in aerospace/defense hardware.
• Hands-on proficiency with work management software (Smartsheet, MS Project, Jira).
• Ability to read engineering schedules and discuss task estimates with engineers.
• Experience working in ITAR-controlled environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the program's master schedule and critical path.
• Identify action items and risks; chase closure and flag blockers.
• Track long-lead regulatory milestones and coordinate with counsel.
• Track procurement and long-lead hardware to protect the critical path.
• Maintain program visibility for leadership and reviews.

Skills

Program management

Scheduling

Dependency tracking

Engineering coordination

Education

Engineering degree (preferred)

Tools

Smartsheet

MS Project

Jira

Job description

We are looking for a Technical Program Manager to own the master schedule and drive execution across Longshot's hardware development programs. You will be the person who keeps every team, timeline, and dependency visible and on track as we move from development through testing and into production. This is not a process-for-process-sake role. You will be embedded with a small, fast-moving engineering team where the schedule is the single most important tool for keeping hardware, regulatory, and procurement workstreams aligned. You will own the critical path, chase action items to closure, flag risks before they become problems, and make sure leadership always knows where the program actually stands. If you thrive on bringing order to complex hardware programs and can credibly push back on an engineer's task estimate, this role is for you.

• Role Type: FTE EXEMPT
• Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000 Annual
• Location: Alameda, CA (Onsite)

Key Responsibilities

• The master schedule. Own and maintain the program's master schedule (i.e. critical path, cross-project dependencies, milestones, and schedule margin). Keep it current and truthful, and make sure the team and leadership always know where the program actually stands.
• Identify action items and risk. Run the action-item and risk trackers. Chase open commitments to closure, and flag early when an item lands on the critical path or blocks downstream work.
• Regulatory milestone tracking. Keep our long-lead regulatory approvals visible and moving. Maintain the milestone timelines and coordinate with regulatory counsel as they are engaged. Nobody owns this today; you will.
• Procurement and long-lead tracking. Track purchase orders, vendor lead times, and long-lead hardware (barrels, pressure vessels, ground support equipment). Expedite where needed to protect the critical path.
• Program visibility. Keep program status current and legible. Support program reviews and sustain coordination that keeps a small team aligned.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of program or project management experience in aerospace, defense, or a comparable hardware environment.
• Hands‑on proficiency with work management software (Smartsheet, MS Project, Jira, or similar).
• Ability to read an engineering schedule, understand dependencies across hardware disciplines, and credibly discuss and push back on a task estimate with engineers. A technical degree is preferred but not required.
• Ability to work in an ITAR‑controlled work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, or another technical field.
• PMP or CAPM certification.
• Experience with hardware development programs.
• Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, or propulsion systems.Exposure to aerospace regulatory or export‑control processes (e.g. FAA licensing, ITAR/EAR, environmental permitting, etc.).Experience working in a startup or another fast‑paced, resource‑constrained environment.Able to obtain a security clearance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and paid sick leave90‑day integration period

  Longshot Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

  To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here .

  At‑Will Employment

  Employment with Longshot is at-will. This means that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

  Who are we?

  Longshot Space Technologies is at the cutting edge of low-cost space access and hypersonics. We are developing a novel space launch system that accelerates mass over a long distance. Using our technology, we plan to provide affordable launch services for satellites, cargo, and future space infrastructure. Our mission is to enable a future where humans can reach for the stars.