Program Manager, Government & Defense

Airco; Doylestown (Bucks County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

HSA & FSA

Disability & life insurance

Generous PTO & leave

401(k) with match

Pre-tax transit/parking

Wellness programs

Weekly catered lunch

Job summary

AIRCO in New Britain, PA, is seeking a Program Manager – Government to lead three MAD program workstreams and coordinate with RD&E and external partners. The role is on-site five days a week, reporting to the Director of Government & Defense Programs.

The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years in technical program management for public-sector clients, strong ownership of projects, and the ability to speak engineering language with TRL assessments.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years serving public‑segment customers in a technical capacity.
• Proven ownership of a product or process that was operationalized and iterated.
• Experience managing technical programs with TRL awareness.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field.
• Ability to work diligently and independently, with an eagerness to learn.
• Exceptional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage three core MAD program workstreams, determining resources and implementing strategies to achieve goals.
• Coordinate feedstocks: manage vendors, client-facing meetings, and sound designs.
• Work with partners to secure power sourcing for MAD systems.
• Coordinate across feedstocks, water treatment, and customer input to align product design.
• Track program performance with metrics, generate reports, and brief senior management.
• Evaluate partnerships based on technology, manufacturing readiness, and business alignment.
• Support the Technical Lead and RD&E in funding proposals and follow-on programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners at AIRCO.

Skills

Technical program management

Product ownership

Stakeholder communication

Technology readiness assessment

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field

Job description

About AIRCO

AIRCO is a world leader in carbon conversion technology, paving the way to global energy security by transforming CO₂ into a valuable resource. Its proprietary AIRMADE™ Technology is an adaptable platform that allows any industry to efficiently produce high‑demand, fully‑formulated synthetic fuels from waste CO₂ and hydrogen.

The company has commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, and has been awarded multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit.

AIRCO has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Inc. Best in Business, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and the XPrize for Carbon Removal.

AIRCO’s accolades include the Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (October 2023) and the World Economic Forum UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge award.

The Position

Program Manager – Government, reporting to the Director of Government & Defense Programs. This role contributes to the requirements‑led development of products and other opportunities and is based in New Britain, PA. The position is on‑site five days per week.

What You Get to Do

• Own and manage three core workstreams within the MAD Program, determining the personnel, material, and technical resources required to successfully complete each and implementing strategies to achieve program goals
• Feedstocks: coordinate external vendors and technical teams, manage client‑facing technical meeting requirements, and ensure designs are sound and executable
• Power Source: work with external partners to integrate and secure power sourcing for MAD systems
• Systems Requirements: coordinate across all sections and stakeholders (feedstocks, water treatment, customer input) so internal teams are aligned and the product being designed is the right one
• Track program performance against key metrics, generate regular reports, and present updates to senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations
• Evaluate potential partnerships based on technology readiness, manufacturing readiness, and business alignment in support of the MAD and Advanced Manufacturing programs
• Support AIRCO’s Technical Lead and RD&E members in submission of program funding proposals and follow‑on program management of any awarded programs
• Conduct other tasks assigned, coordinating closely with and providing support to key cross‑functional partners at AIRCO

What You Bring to AIRCO

• 5‑7+ years of experience serving public‑segment customers in a technical capacity within a related industry and comparable technical program management
• Demonstrated ownership of a product, project, or process that was operationalized and successfully iterated over time
• Experience managing technical programs, with the ability to speak the same technical language as engineering/RD&E teams and evaluate Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Engineering, Chemistry, etc.)
• Ability to work diligently and independently, with an eagerness to learn
• Exceptional communication skills

Bonus Points

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• PMP/PMI or similar certification

Benefits

• Standard medical, dental, and vision benefits effective Day 1, plus 70% coverage for spouse and dependent base premiums
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Company‑paid short‑term disability insurance; optional long‑term disability and life insurance plans
• Flexible and generous paid time off, including national holidays, sick leave, and paid family leave
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) plan with 3% company match
• Pre‑tax savings on transit and parking, and monthly company contributions
• Employee wellness programs, including Wellhub and One Medical, and inclusive benefits through Sequoia such as pet insurance and financial wellness programs
• Company‑sponsored events and programs that promote an inclusive and values‑driven workplace
• In‑person weekly catered lunch every Wednesday

Equal Employment Opportunity

AIRCO is an inclusive affirmative action Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy‑related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, present or past history of intellectual, learning, mental, or physical disability (including but not limited to blindness) unless such disability prevents performance of the work involved, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.