Project Manager Spacecraft

Associates Systems LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Houston, Texas, is looking for a Project Manager to lead complex aerospace projects. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in project management, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, and strong organizational skills. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing project budgets, and ensuring projects meet quality and safety standards. Opportunities for mentoring junior engineers and contributing to innovative projects are provided.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in engineering complex systems/programs.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with sound engineering judgment.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead technically complex space projects requiring strong understanding of various principles.
• Develop and execute tailored hardware development plans.
• Coordinate schedules and resources with stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets effectively.
• Oversee technical execution and maintain project quality.
• Communicate project progress and risks to stakeholders.
• Identify and assess project risks and mitigation activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote a culture of collaboration.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical systems knowledge

Electrical systems knowledge

Software systems knowledge

Space systems knowledge

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

US Citizens.
Aerospace/Spacecraft Experience preferred
This is a mid to Junior Level role.
All Qualified resumes will be responded to in 24 hours or less.

Responsibilities

• Leading technically complex space projects requiring a strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, software, space systems, space operations, and systems engineering principles and practices.
• Developing and executing tailored hardware development plans, ensuring alignment with project life-cycle processes and mission requirements.
• Coordinating project schedules, deliverables, and resources with stakeholders (e.g., customers, project teams, suppliers, and third parties) to optimize performance and meet objectives.
• Ensuring project remains within budget, managing project budgets, providing accurate cost estimates, and reporting financial status to stakeholders regularly.
• Overseeing technical execution, setting expectations for cross-functional teams, and leading design life-cycle reviews to maintain schedule and quality.
• Communicating project progress, risks, and key decisions to customers and leadership, fostering transparency and trust.
• Identifying and assessing internal and external risks, planning and tracking mitigation activities to timely closure.
• Presenting design progress, technical approaches, and rationales to design review boards with clarity and confidence.
• Ensuring hardware designs meet stringent size, weight, power, and cost requirements for space applications.
• Executing procurement, manufacturing, and testing of mechanical hardware to meet project milestones and quality standards.
• Contributing to safety documentation and presenting to safety review boards as required.
• Mentoring junior engineers and project team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Driving continuous improvement in project management processes, incorporating lessons learned to enhance future program outcomes.
• Overall execution and performance of the project.
• Performing other duties as assigned to support program success.
• Minimal travel required; occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet project deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience engineering complex systems/programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems) from a U.S.-accredited institution.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with sound engineering judgment.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration from US accredited institution.
• Experience designing, procuring, manufacturing, and testing hardware for extreme environments (e.g., space, high-temperature, or high-vibration conditions).
• Knowledge of industry standards for space hardware development (e.g., NASA, MIL-STD).