Program Manager

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 182,820 - 202,064; Full time

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks a Program Manager III to lead and execute complex aerospace contracts, provide program leadership, and ensure performance within budget, schedule, and technical specs. The role centers on space flight hardware development and direct interaction with program customers.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's in engineering/science, 10+ years in aerospace, 5+ years in leadership, and experience with subcontracting, risk management, and Earned Value.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related field.
• 10+ years of aerospace experience; 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. may substitute part of experience.
• Strong leadership and management in space flight hardware development.
• Subcontract management and supplier oversight experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and execution of complex aerospace contracts.
• Provide overall program leadership, direction, and guidance.
• Develop and maintain metrics and data reports to monitor program performance.
• Address program challenges and develop mitigation plans.
• Serve as primary interface with the program customer and LASP representative.
• Ensure compliance with policies, assess risks, and mitigate.
• Manage budgets and capital equipment/facility projects.
• Implement risk and opportunity management processes.
• Lead change proposals with the customer pre-coordination.
• Mentor and lead junior program staff.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Budget management

Earned Value

Risk management

Customer interface

Subcontract management

Spaceflight hardware

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science

Master's degree or PhD may substitute

Tools

EVMS

Job description

Program Manager

Requisition Number: 73696

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 29-Jul-2026

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.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9722777&targetURL=https://lasp.colorado.edu/) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/ (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9722777&targetURL=https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/) .

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 (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9722777&targetURL=https://www.colorado.edu/), we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9722777&targetURL=https://www.colorado.edu/jobs/benefits) 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 (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9722777&targetURL=https://advantage.cu.edu/campus/cu-boulder) 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.

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.

The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.