Program Manager, Space Domain Awareness Ops

Akima; Colorado Springs, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

RiverTech, an Akima company, is seeking a Program Manager to lead the GEODSS O&M contract in Colorado Springs. You will direct 24/7 operations across multiple sites and coordinate with U.S. Space Force stakeholders.

This role requires proven DoD program management experience, TS clearance, and strong leadership. You will drive performance, cost control, and mission readiness while managing dispersed teams and ensuring contract success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Business Administration, or related field.
• 8-12 years of progressively responsible program management experience supporting DoD, aerospace, defense, or space operations programs.
• Experience managing large, geographically dispersed operational teams supporting mission-critical environments.
• Experience supporting Space Domain Awareness (SDA), space surveillance, electro-optical sensor systems, or ground-based operational systems.
• Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition, sustainment, and lifecycle support processes.
• Experience managing complex operations involving maintenance, logistics, and technical support.
• Excellent leadership, communication, customer engagement, and organizational skills.
• Active Top Secret security clearance; SCI eligibility or current SCI access preferred.
• PMP, DAWIA certification, or equivalent program management certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of accountability for contract performance, including cost, schedule, quality, risk, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead all aspects of contract execution supporting continuous 24/7/365 global deep-space surveillance operations.
• Ensure operational readiness and mission success across all GEODSS operational sites.
• Develop and implement program strategies, performance objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with Government stakeholders and customer leadership.
• Coordinate with U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Systems Command (SSC), and other mission stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of optical tracking data supporting space object catalog maintenance and orbital awareness.
• Support integration of GEODSS capabilities with the broader Space Domain Awareness enterprise, including sensor fusion and command and control (C2) networks.
• Ensure mission priorities are met while maintaining high operational availability.
• Provide oversight of operations and maintenance activities for electro-optical telescopes, sensors, and supporting ground systems.
• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and system availability.
• Ensure compliance with Technical Orders (TOs), maintenance procedures, calibration standards, cybersecurity requirements, and COMSEC policies.
• Oversee logistics planning, supply chain coordination, and equipment lifecycle management.
• Lead and manage geographically dispersed teams operating in remote and secure locations.
• Ensure staffing levels, certifications, qualifications, and shift coverage requirements are consistently maintained.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor supervisors and technical staff while supporting employee development and retention initiatives.
• Manage overall contract performance, budgets, funding execution, and financial forecasting.
• Monitor program metrics, KPIs, and service level requirements.
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM), program reviews, executive briefings, and customer reporting.
• Oversee subcontractor performance and vendor relationships to ensure successful contract execution.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, U.S. Space Force, federal regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain security requirements for classified environments, including Top Secret/SCI operations where applicable.
• Identify operational, technical, staffing, logistics, and supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Support quality assurance, audits, inspections, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Program management

DoD/Space Ops experience

Leadership

PMP/DAWIA

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

RiverTech, an Akima company, is seeking a Program Manager to lead the GEODSS O&M contract in Colorado Springs. You will direct 24/7 operations across multiple sites and coordinate with U.S. Space Force stakeholders.

This role requires proven DoD program management experience, TS clearance, and strong leadership. You will drive performance, cost control, and mission readiness while managing dispersed teams and ensuring contract success.