Program Manager Merritt Island, FL Posted today

NANA Regional Corporation; Merritt Island, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO) at Kennedy Space Center seeks a Program Manager to oversee the Spaceport Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Operations Contract (SIMO). You will plan, organize, direct, and control contract performance to meet technical, schedule, and cost requirements, while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role requires a strong engineering or technical background with leadership of large-scale programs, excellent communication with government and contractor teams, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical field with formal management training or PMP certification.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including at least 7 years in a managerial role overseeing large-scale programs.
• Proven experience in contract compliance, program planning, and resource management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage overall performance of the SIMO contract, aligning scope, cost, schedule, and quality.
• Develop and execute project plans, objectives, and strategies to meet customer expectations.
• Coordinate work scheduling, resource allocation, and adherence to contract deliverables.
• Interface with government personnel and customers to address performance and contractual matters.
• Monitor compliance with contract terms, NASA policies, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for the program.
• Supervise and mentor a team of managers, engineers, technicians, and staff.
• Ensure effective risk management and maintain positive relationships with government and contractor personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical field with management training (PMP) OR Master's in business

Job description

The Program Manager will oversee all aspects of contract performance for the Spaceport Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Operations Contract (SIMO) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This role involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling operations to meet contract requirements and ensure mission success. The ideal candidate will have a strong engineering or technical background combined with managerial expertise to deliver innovative, effective, and compliant operational support for one of the world's most advanced spaceports.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall performance of the SIMO contract, ensuring alignment with scope, cost, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Develop and execute project plans, objectives, and strategies to meet customer and stakeholder expectations.
• Coordinate the scheduling of work, resource allocation (manpower and equipment), and adherence to contract deliverables.
• Interface with the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), government management personnel, and customer agency representatives to address performance, compliance, and contractual matters.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with contract terms, NASA policies, NASA and OSHA safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for the program.
• Supervise and mentor a team of managers, engineers, technicians, and support staff to ensure a high-performing organization.
• Ensure effective risk management practices are in place to mitigate potential challenges in contract execution.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with government and contractor personnel to support NASA’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical field, with formal training in management (e.g., university coursework or PMP certification); or a master’s degree in a business-related field.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including at least 7 years in a managerial role overseeing large-scale programs or contracts.
• Proven experience in contract compliance, program planning, and resource management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with high-level government and agency representatives.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of successfully managing complex technical programs.
• Secret Clearance Required.

Preferred Qualification:

• Previous experience supporting NASA or other federal contracts.
• Knowledge of spaceport operations, facilities management, or ground system support.
• Familiarity with NASA policies, procedures, and safety requirements.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making.
• Exceptional Project and Program Management Skills.
• Proficient in Risk and Compliance Management.
• Leadership and Team Development.
• Strong Customer-Focused Communication.

This position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Applicants selected may be offered but cannot begin work until funding has been confirmed.

Job ID

2026-25808

Work Type

On-Site

Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Facilities Operations (AFO), an Akima company, is not just another federal facilities contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At AFO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders , AFO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers , AFO sustains mission readiness and ensures quality of life by maintaining high value assets and operations at peak performance and successfully manages these operations through accurately forecasting, managing, and aggressively controlling costs.

As an AFO employee , you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, or have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [e-mail] or 571-353-7053 (information about job applications status is not available at this contact information).