Program Manager

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

ExoTerra is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead cross-functional aerospace programs from contract award through delivery. This role oversees cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

The successful candidate will coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance teams; manage risks using structured tools; handle change control and customer requests; and provide program status to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 8+ years of program or project management experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing.
• Experience managing complex cross-functional programs.
• Strong understanding of program controls (cost, schedule, risk, change management).
• Experience with customer contracts and formal reporting.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program execution in accordance with contractual requirements, customer expectations, and internal processes.
• Own program cost, schedule, scope, and risk performance.
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, and forecasts.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, including participation in reviews, status meetings, and program briefings.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks and opportunities using structured risk management tools (e.g., 5x5 risk matrix).
• Manage change control, contract modifications, and customer requests.
• Prepare and present program status reports to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of PMO processes, tools, and best practices.
• Additional duties as assigned

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Master’s degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or similar)

PMP certification

Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM)

Tools

AS9100 familiarity

Job description

ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experiencedProgram Managerto lead cross-functional aerospace programs from contract award through delivery. This role is responsible for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically fluent, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program execution in accordance with contractual requirements, customer expectations, and internal processes
• Own programcost, schedule, scope, and riskperformance
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, and forecasts
• Serve as the primary customer interface, including participation in reviews, status meetings, and program briefings
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks and opportunities using structured risk management tools (e.g., 5x5 risk matrix)
• Manage change control, contract modifications, and customer requests
• Prepare and present program status reports to internal leadership and external stakeholders
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of PMO processes, tools, and best practices
• Additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field
• 8+ years of program or project management experience in aerospace, defense, or a highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional programs
• Strong understanding of program controls (cost, schedule, risk, change management)
• Experience working with customer contracts and formal reporting requirements
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or similar)
• PMP or equivalent certification
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Experience working in an AS9100-certified organization

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office and manufacturing
• Able to meet program deadlines and occasional schedule flexibility

Export Control / Compliance Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.