Program Manager II

General Atomics and Affiliated Companies; Colorado; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking an Associate Program Manager to advance space programs from concept to operations. You will coordinate cross‑functional teams across engineering, procurement, security, and operations to ensure satellite and payload programs meet milestones, budgets, and quality standards.

You will manage risks, drive planning and scheduling, and communicate updates to executives while promoting continuous improvement in program processes and leadership

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's, master's or PhD in engineering, science or related field with nine+ years of program administration experience.
• Experience managing electronics development programs and IRAD projects.
• Experience with space programs, satellite missions, or space environments.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and ability to navigate organizational dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Support medium-to-large space programs from initiation to completion, ensuring on-time, within-scope, and on-budget delivery.
• Build and maintain relationships with executives, engineering, product management, and cross-functional teams for alignment.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, security, operations, and other departments to ensure program success.
• Facilitate creation of SOWs and POs; serve as PMO interface with Subcontract Management.
• Identify and manage risks; escalate as needed to keep programs on track.
• Develop detailed project plans, manage schedules, and allocate resources to milestones.
• Monitor budgets and expenditures to meet financial targets while maintaining quality.
• Provide regular program updates and deliver reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvements in program management processes and collaboration.
• Resolve technical and scheduling issues with internal and external representatives.
• Participate in planning, attraction, selection and development of management and technical talent.
• Demonstrate leadership in identifying risks and implementing effective solutions.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Budget oversight

Project planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or higher in engineering or science

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

As an Associate Program Manager, you will play a pivotal role in advancing innovative space programs within our Space team. Supporting the development and operation of advanced satellites and payloads, from compact cubesats to large, interconnected constellations, you will help drive projects from Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) to cislunar space. In this role, you will manage risks, resolve issues, and ensure delivery of high-quality results for critical space missions. Your strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills will enable you to influence decision-making, coordinate cross-functional teams, and apply established program management principles to meet program objectives in a dynamic and evolving environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Management: Support medium-to-large scale space programs from initiation through successful completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including executives, engineering, product management, and cross-functional teams, to ensure alignment and transparency throughout the program lifecycle.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with teams across engineering, procurement, security, operations, and other departments to ensure all aspects of satellite and space system programs are delivered as planned.
• Subcontractor Management: Facilitate the generation of Statements of Work (SOWs) and Purchase Orders (POs) that accurately reflect program requirements; serve as the primary Program Management Office (PMO) interface with Subcontract Management.
• Risk Management: Identify, track, and manage potential risks; proactively address issues and *escalate* as necessary to keep programs on track.
• Project Planning & Scheduling: Develop detailed project plans, manage schedules, and allocate resources to ensure program milestones are achieved.
• Budget Oversight: Monitor program budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial targets are met while maintaining quality standards.
• Reporting & Communication: Provide regular updates to senior management, stakeholders, and team members on program status, risks, and issues; create and deliver program reports and presentations.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive process improvements within program management, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and program success.
• Technical and Scheduling Issue Resolution: Interact with internal and external representatives at various levels to resolve technical and scheduling issues related to space missions.
• Talent Development: Participate in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of management, professional, and technical talent to ensure technical leadership and program excellence.
• Leadership in Risk Solutions: Identify program risks and provide leadership in developing and implementing effective solutions.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as nine or more years of progressively complex program administration experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Experience managing electronics development programs and Internal Research and Development (IRAD) projects.
• Experience with space programs, satellite missions, or other space mission environments.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
• Results-oriented with the ability to maintain focus on program success and long-term organizational goals.
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Demonstrates technical expertise and application of program management principles, including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet deadlines or milestones.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with other departments, all levels of management, customers, and government representatives.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar credentials are a plus.
• Must be customer-focused and able to work independently or as part of a team; must be able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required.