R&D Project Manager – Directed Energy & Space

Optical Engines, INC.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks paid time off

9 paid holidays

Health, Vision and Dental paid 100%

401k with company matching

Tuition assistance for continuing ed

Job summary

Optical Engines, INC. is seeking a Project Manager to support planning, execution, and delivery of multiple R&D programs primarily in Directed Energy and NewSpace. You will assist with scope, schedule, and performance while ensuring compliance with policies, contracts, and standards.

The role requires strong organizational skills and expertise with MS Office tools to manage BOMs and schedules. The ideal candidate has a technical background, PM experience, and excellent written and verbal

Qualifications

• 3+ years working in a technical environment.
• 3+ years managing Government/Military, Directed Energy, Aerospace, or Space/NewSpace programs.
• Bachelor's degree in project management, business, or technical field.
• Demonstrated experience working with customers and suppliers.
• Proven ability to support complex programs with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, Jira, ClickUp, Excel).
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure under pressure.
• Maintain documentation for PDR/CDR/ICD and design reviews.
• Strong technical presentation and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Program Manager and Engineering Team.
• Assist with program planning, budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking.
• Help manage day-to-day operations and facility needs to complete tasks on schedule.
• Develop documentation for efficient execution of multiple parallel projects.
• Provide regular written and verbal reports to peers and management.
• Maintain business and operations systems supporting program execution.
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, accounting, and supply chain for needed resources.
• Support hiring and onboarding/offboarding of employees.
• Manage R&D inventories of parts, equipment, and assets.

Skills

Program management

MS Project

Jira

Excel

Cross-functional leadership

Customer & supplier management

Technical background

Education

Bachelor's degree in PM/Business/Technical field

Tools

MS Project

Jira

ClickUp

Excel

Job description

Optical Engines, INC. is seeking a Project Manager to support planning, execution, and delivery of multiple R&D programs primarily in Directed Energy and NewSpace. You will assist with scope, schedule, and performance while ensuring compliance with policies, contracts, and standards.

The role requires strong organizational skills and expertise with MS Office tools to manage BOMs and schedules. The ideal candidate has a technical background, PM experience, and excellent written and verbal