Program Manager I

CesiumAstro, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CesiumAstro in Austin, TX seeks a Program Manager I to coordinate program plans, schedules, resources, and cross-functional activities. You will drive performance by monitoring cost, schedule, and technical progress while coordinating with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and customers to meet contractual commitments.

The role requires a solid foundation in program management, ERP systems, and project tools, with excellent communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Admin, PM, Operations or related field with 5–8 years of related experience; or Master's with 3–6 years.
• Strong knowledge of program management principles, planning, risk management, and customer relationship management.
• Experience with ERP systems and business reporting applications.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain program plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate day-to-day activities to align with cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives.
• Monitor performance and recommend corrective actions for risks and delays.
• Support product development, production, and customer delivery activities.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned customers and coordinate meetings and reviews.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning sessions and integrated product team meetings.
• Maintain program documentation, risk registers, and action trackers.
• Contribute to process improvements and adherence to contractual requirements.

Skills

PM leadership

risk management

stakeholder management

cost/time management

analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Business/PM

Master's in PM/Engineering

Tools

Jira

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

Power BI

Oracle/SAP/MS Dynamics

Excel/Office

Primavera

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Program Manager I to our team. In this role you will support the successful execution of assigned programs by coordinating program plans, schedules, resources, and cross-functional activities that support customer commitments and business objectives. This role contributes to program performance by managing program execution, monitoring cost, schedule, and technical performance, and ensuring effective coordination across internal teams and external stakeholders.

Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Business Development, and customers, this role supports program planning, customer communications, risk management, and execution activities while ensuring programs are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, business objectives, and customer expectations.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the execution of assigned programs by developing and maintaining program plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate day-to-day program activities to ensure alignment with cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives.
• Monitor program performance and recommend corrective actions to address schedule, cost, or execution risks.
• Support successful execution of product development, production, and customer delivery activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers regarding routine program execution activities.
• Coordinate customer meetings, program reviews, status reports, and action items.
• Build productive working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to support successful program execution.
• Communicate program status, risks, and key milestones to leadership and customers.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, and Business Development to support program objectives.
• Facilitate integrated product team meetings, program reviews, and cross-functional planning sessions.
• Identify program risks, issues, and dependencies while coordinating mitigation plans.
• Support proposal transition, contract kickoff, and production readiness activities, as applicable.
• Assist with the implementation of program management process improvements and operational initiatives.
• Maintain program documentation, schedules, risk registers, and action item trackers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of program management processes, reporting, and execution methodologies.
• Support compliance with contractual requirements, company procedures, and customer expectations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field with 5–8 years of related experience, or a Master's degree with 3–6 years of related experience in program management, project management, operations, engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of program management principles, project planning, risk management, and customer relationship management.
• Understanding of program lifecycle management, integrated product development, production planning, and operational execution.
• Experience utilizing program management tools, ERP systems, and business reporting applications.
• Demonstrates analytical thinking with the ability to evaluate program performance, identify risks, and recommend practical solutions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple program priorities, schedules, and deliverables.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Business Development, and customers.
• Attention to detail when managing program documentation, schedules, contractual requirements, and customer communications.
• Applies strategic thinking to balance customer expectations, program objectives, and business priorities while supporting successful program execution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, e.g. Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, or equivalent platforms.
• Program and project management applications, e.g. Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, Primavera, or equivalent applications.
• Business intelligence and reporting tools, e.g. Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent applications.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.