Program Manager II (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 157,738 - 216,889; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

Paid time off

Career development opportunities

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Program Manager II to lead a program or IPT with overall responsibility for cost, schedule, and technical performance. You will manage budgets, schedules, and execution for programs valued at less than $100M, collaborating with engineering, finance, supply chain, and operations.

You will apply advanced project management methods, leverage EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR, and CAS, and communicate status to stakeholders while developing Learning & Development programs for the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree with relevant experience and security clearance requirements.
• 8+ years of related program management experience with responsibility for cost, schedule and technical performance.
• Certifications such as PfMP preferred and experience across EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR and CAS.
• Ability to manage programs with limited oversight and interface with financial teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a program, IPT, or portfolio of programs with total value under $100M.
• Develop and maintain program plans, budgets, and schedules; monitor performance and implement corrective actions.
• Communicate program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders and prepare reports.
• Mentor junior managers and drive continuous improvement in program management processes.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Risk management

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree with 6+ years experience

Tools

Microsoft Project

JIRA

Asana

Excel

Tableau/Power BI

Job description

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission‑ready throughout space. We are mission‑driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Program Manager II is responsible for leading a program and has overall responsibility and authority for that program/contract's cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role involves comprehensive program planning, execution, and resource management to ensure successful program outcomes. They will have a proven record of successful program management execution, in‑depth knowledge across all facets of program management, and proficiency in financial and performance metrics analysis. The Program Manager II will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to achieve program objectives and develop and initiate Learning & Development programs. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex projects, stay updated with the latest industry trends, and contribute to the continuous improvement of program management processes.

In this role, you will lead a program and assume overall responsibility and authority for its cost, schedule, and technical performance, while being accountable for a program, Integrated Product Team (IPT), or portfolio of programs valued at less than $100M. You will manage budgets, schedules, and execution to ensure alignment with contractual requirements, while developing and maintaining comprehensive program plans, schedules, and budgets. By monitoring program performance, you will implement corrective actions as needed to meet objectives and leverage specific program management training in EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR, and CAS for program success. You will apply advanced project management methodologies and tools, analyze financial and performance metrics to drive decisions and improvements, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, finance, supply chain, and operations. Additionally, you will communicate program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders, prepare and deliver effective reports and presentations, and ensure compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements. Building strong relationships with external customers and stakeholders will be a priority, as will developing and initiating Learning & Development programs to enhance team capabilities.

You will apply problem‑solving skills to address challenges, lead a single program, an IPT, or a portfolio of programs, and provide mentorship to junior managers. Development Program Managers in this role should have a strong technical background or an engineering degree, while Sustaining Program Managers should possess technical acumen, even if they do not hold an engineering degree. With an external, customer‑facing, end‑to‑end responsibility, you will lead management reviews, interface with financial teams, and drive complex program strategies to ensure success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field (or a master's degree with 6+ years of experience).
• 8+ years of related experience.
• Certifications: Senior‑level project management certifications preferred (e.g., PfMP).
• Comprehensive knowledge of program management disciplines across various domains.
• Ability to manage a program with limited oversight.
• Capability to manage program budgets and meet specified schedules and technical objectives.
• Demonstrated experience with significant program management responsibility.
• In‑depth knowledge across all facets of program planning, execution, and resource management.
• Profound skills in leading management reviews and interfacing with financial teams.
• Expert understanding of organizational KPI measurement and reporting.
• Advanced analytical skills for interpreting complex data.
• Ability to manage smaller programs or portions of larger programs.
• Ability to mentor junior managers and lead complex program strategies.
• An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Proficiency in using project management software tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or Asana.
• Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and systems engineering processes.
• Experience with contract management and negotiation.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Strong technical writing skills for creating detailed project documentation and reports.
• Understanding of supply chain management and logistics as they pertain to program execution.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Compensation

Pay Range: $157,738.00 - $216,889.00

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires current/active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non‑U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry‑leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission‑proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space‑based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.