Program Manager, Commercial

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A pioneering spacecraft development company in Los Angeles seeks an experienced Program Manager to execute the commercial business vision. This role involves liaising with customers and stakeholders, managing proposals, and ensuring mission success. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science, significant experience in the space industry, and strong communication skills. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in the space industry.
• 8+ years of technical program or project management experience.
• Full project lifecycle experience, preferably with spacecraft.

Responsibilities

• Lead proposal efforts for commercial customers.
• Act as the POC for your customer to resolve issues and negotiate requirements.
• Communicate with internal management about overall program schedule.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline

Job description

Overview

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others, we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions across LEO to Deep Space. We strive to build spacecraft capable of handling multiple orbits to enable a future solar system development and progression toward a Kardashev Type II civilization.

We’re a fast-paced startup looking for motivated individuals excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space company. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

As one of the early Program Managers at K2 Space, you will help shape and execute the company’s commercial business vision. You will liaison with commercial customers, partners, and stakeholders to define early requirements through project execution. You will align K2 products and solutions with end-user needs and shepherd projects from definition through acquisition and execution. You will create compliant proposals, support contract definition and negotiations, and establish partnerships across the organization to ensure end-to-end mission success.

Responsibilities

• Lead proposal efforts for commercial customers including responding to opportunities, scoping contracts, and collaborating with internal stakeholders for technical definition
• Act as the POC for your customer to resolve issues, negotiate requirements, coordinate technical and contractual changes, and maintain positive relationships
• Partner with diverse teams within K2 to drive spacecraft vehicle readiness, assess change impacts, develop mission CONOPS, and proactively track schedules to ensure all contract requirements are met
• Communicate with internal management, executives, and customers about the overall program schedule and mission readiness
• Plan and lead customer reviews and deliverables through cross-company coordination, developing and briefing technical content on complex designs, trade studies, risks, and issues
• Nurture and maintain a network of commercial customers, partners, and stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in the space industry
• 8+ years of technical program or project management experience
• Full project lifecycle experience, preferably with spacecraft
• Deep understanding of commercial satellite contracting and business development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience negotiating technical deliverables, requirements and scope
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere
• Demonstrated success working in an environment with competing priorities and aggressive schedules
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time

Nice to Have

• Program Management certification

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 plus equity in the company
• Salary will be based on knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply. Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged.

Export Compliance and Equal Opportunity

The person hired for this role will have access to information controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. Eligibility for a federally issued export control license or being a U.S. person may be required.

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.