Program Manager

Akima, LLC; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Competitive pay

Job summary

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO) seeks a spaceport program manager to oversee all facets of the SIMO contract at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. You will lead planning, execution, and compliance, aligning schedule, cost, and quality with contract requirements.

The role demands a strong engineering/technical background with proven leadership of large programs and the ability to interface with government officials. AFO offers a challenging, values-driven environment with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/technical field with formal management training or PMP/ MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including 7+ years in a managerial role overseeing large programs or contracts.
• Proven experience in contract compliance, program planning, and resource management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills interfacing with high-level government/agency representatives.
• Demonstrated leadership with success managing complex technical programs.
• Secret Clearance Required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage overall performance of the SIMO contract, ensuring alignment with scope, cost, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Develop and execute project plans, objectives, and strategies to meet customer and stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate scheduling of work, resource allocation, and adherence to contract deliverables.
• Interface with COR, government management personnel, and customer representatives on performance and contractual matters.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with contract terms, NASA policies, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for the program.
• Supervise and mentor a team of managers, engineers, technicians, and staff.
• Ensure effective risk management practices to mitigate challenges in contract execution.
• Maintain positive relationships with government and contractor personnel to support NASA’s mission.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Risk management

Contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

The Program Manager will oversee all aspects of contract performance for the Spaceport Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Operations Contract (SIMO) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This role involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling operations to meet contract requirements and ensure mission success. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering or technical background combined with managerial expertise to deliver innovative, effective, and compliant operational support for one of the world's most advanced spaceports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall performance of the SIMO contract, ensuring alignment with scope, cost, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Develop and execute project plans, objectives, and strategies to meet customer and stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate the scheduling of work, resource allocation (manpower and equipment), and adherence to contract deliverables.
• Interface with the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), government management personnel, and customer agency representatives to address performance, compliance, and contractual matters.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with contract terms, NASA policies, NASA and OSHA safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for the program.
• Supervise and mentor a team of managers, engineers, technicians, and support staff to ensure a high-performing organization.
• Ensure effective risk management practices are in place to mitigate potential challenges in contract execution.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with government and contractor personnel to support NASA’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical field, with formal training in management (e.g., university coursework or PMP certification); or a master’s degree in a business-related field.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including at least 7 years in a managerial role overseeing large-scale programs or contracts.
• Proven experience in contract compliance, program planning, and resource management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with high-level government and agency representatives.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of successfully managing complex technical programs.
• Secret Clearance Required.

Preferred Qualification

• Previous experience supporting NASA or other federal contracts.
• Knowledge of spaceport operations, facilities management, or ground system support.
• Familiarity with NASA policies, procedures, and safety requirements.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making.
• Exceptional Project and Program Management Skills.
• Proficient in Risk and Compliance Management.
• Leadership and Team Development.
• Strong Customer-Focused Communication.

This position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Applicants selected may beofferedbut cannot begin work until funding has been confirmed.

Job ID

2026-25808

Work Type

On-Site

Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO), an Akima company, is not just another federal facilities contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At AFO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, AFO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, AFO sustains mission readiness and ensures quality of life by maintaining high value assets and operations at peak performance and successfully manages these operations through accurately forecasting, managing, and aggressively controlling costs.

As an AFO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.