Program Manager (TS/SCI)

Zachary Piper Solutions; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Paid time off

Federal holidays

Sick leave

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions seeks an experienced Program Manager to support the U.S. Space Force and Space Systems Command in acquiring and delivering next-generation space capabilities within the Space Combat Power portfolio.

Location: El Segundo, CA. The role advises the Government Program Office, overseeing complex acquisitions across space, ground, and mission systems with a focus on cost, schedule, risk, and performance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant program management, acquisition, or aerospace experience; or Master’s degree with 13+ years of experience.
• Proven experience managing complex defense, aerospace, or space system programs.
• Experience across space, ground, and mission systems to support end-to-end integration and mission performance.

Responsibilities

• Support the Government Program Manager in developing and executing acquisition strategies aligned with mission priorities and warfighter needs.
• Manage program planning activities including schedules, resource allocation, budgeting, contracting actions, and execution oversight.
• Oversee delivery milestones, systems integration, test activities, risk management, and contractor performance.
• Coordinate across government and industry stakeholders to ensure successful integration of space, ground, and communications segments.
• Organize and facilitate TIMs, program reviews, and status meetings to monitor progress and resolve issues.
• Implement configuration management and change management practices to maintain baselines.
• Review contractor designs, milestone reviews, and technical deliverables, providing assessments of program health and mission readiness.
• Support independent technical and programmatic reviews to validate system performance and program execution.
• Monitor funding commitments, obligations, and expenditures to ensure efficient use of program resources.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while promoting rapid capability delivery under WAS.
• Develop executive briefings, reports, and strategic communications supporting government decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Executive briefings

Cost management

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years experience

Master’s degree with 13+ years experience

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking an experienced Program Manager to support the U.S. Space Force and Space Systems Command in the acquisition and delivery of next‑generation space capabilities within the Space Combat Power portfolio. This position serves as a key advisor to the Government Program Office, overseeing complex acquisition efforts that integrate space, ground, and mission systems. The ideal candidate brings extensive DoD acquisition experience, strong leadership skills, and a track record of executing large, complex programs in dynamic national security environments.

Location: El Segundo, CA

Responsibilities:

• Support the Government Program Manager in developing and executing acquisition strategies aligned with mission priorities and warfighter needs.
• Manage program planning activities including schedules, resource allocation, budgeting, contracting actions, and execution oversight.
• Oversee delivery milestones, systems integration, test activities, risk management, and contractor performance.
• Coordinate across government and industry stakeholders to ensure successful integration of space, ground, and communications segments.
• Organize and facilitate Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), program reviews, and status meetings to monitor progress and resolve issues.
• Implement configuration management and change management practices to maintain technical, cost, and schedule baselines.
• Review contractor designs, milestone reviews, and technical deliverables, providing assessments of program health and mission readiness.
• Support independent technical and programmatic reviews to validate system performance and program execution.
• Monitor funding commitments, obligations, and expenditures to ensure efficient use of program resources.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while promoting rapid capability delivery in accordance with the Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS).
• Develop executive briefings, reports, and strategic communications supporting government decision‑making.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of relevant program management, acquisition, or aerospace experience; or Master’s degree with 13+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex defense, aerospace, or space system programs.
• Experience working across space, ground, and mission systems to support end‑to‑end integration and mission performance.
• Strong background in cost, schedule, risk, and performance management.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government acquisition programs and performance‑based contracts.
• Proven ability to develop and manage program baselines, schedules, and program execution plans.
• Experience delivering executive‑level briefings, reports, and customer communications.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, highly visible acquisition environments.

Clearance Requirement:

• Must possess an in‑scope T5 or SSBI background investigation adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in Continuous Evaluation (if applicable).
• Must be willing to obtain SCI and/or SAP access.
• Must be willing to consent to a polygraph examination.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting Space Force, Space Systems Command, National Security Space, or other DoD space programs.
• Experience with rapid acquisition, capability fielding, and Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) principles.
• Experience managing highly integrated space, ground, and communications architectures.
• Experience supporting major weapon system acquisition programs.

Compensation:

• Pay range: $160,000 - $220,000 (Based on years of relevant experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, 20 days of paid time off, 11 federal holidays, and sick leave.

Application Period: Opens on 07/29/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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