Space Systems Program Lead – Payloads & Vehicle Integration

Arcfield; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 102,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement and Savings

Wellness programs

Job summary

Arcfield's Orion Space Solutions division is seeking an experienced Space Systems Program Manager to lead payload and space vehicle development, integration, and delivery. You will manage schedules, budgets, and resources, coordinating across engineering, operations, and leadership while maintaining strong customer relationships throughout the program lifecycle.

The role requires a strong background in payload design and satellite systems, with the ability to mitigate risks and drive successful

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Business Operations, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field with 10–12 years of experience; master’s degree with 8–10 years, or PhD with 5–7 years.
• At least five years of space industry experience, including payload and vehicle development and managing complex space systems projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex space systems programs.
• Strong technical background in payload design, satellite systems, and vehicle integration.
• Proficiency with project management tools, methodologies, and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of aerospace standards and manufacturing processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and customer-facing skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of space systems programs, including payload development and space vehicle integration.
• Develop and manage program plans, schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables to meet requirements.
• Coordinate engineering and technical stakeholders across design, integration, testing, and validation.
• Identify and mitigate risks throughout the development lifecycle.
• Serve as primary interface with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Lead program and customer reviews, presenting analyses, status, risks, and decisions.
• Support payload integration, space vehicle deployment, and operational readiness.
• Monitor post-launch performance and leverage data for improvements.
• Support on-contract growth and new business opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, ITAR, export requirements, and documentation.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Communication

Risk assessment

Customer-facing

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Engineering or related field

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

PM tools

PMI certifications

Job description

Arcfield's Orion Space Solutions division is seeking an experienced Space Systems Program Manager to lead payload and space vehicle development, integration, and delivery. You will manage schedules, budgets, and resources, coordinating across engineering, operations, and leadership while maintaining strong customer relationships throughout the program lifecycle.

The role requires a strong background in payload design and satellite systems, with the ability to mitigate risks and drive successful