Sr Automation Engineer

Valid8 Financial, Inc.; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

ExoTerra is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead cross-functional aerospace programs from contract award through delivery. You will own cost, schedule, scope, and risk, while ensuring customer satisfaction and adherence to processes.

The role requires 8+ years in aerospace or regulated manufacturing, strong leadership, and excellent communication. You will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance in a fast-paced, compliant environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field required.
• 8+ years in aerospace/defense or regulated manufacturing program management.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional programs.
• Strong understanding of program controls: cost, schedule, risk, change.
• Experience with customer contracts and formal reporting requirements.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program execution per contractual requirements and customer expectations.
• Own program cost, schedule, scope, and risk performance.
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, and forecasts.
• Serve as primary customer interface and participate in reviews, status meetings, briefings.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance.
• Identify and manage program risks using structured risk tools (e.g., 5x5).
• Manage change control, contract modifications, and customer requests.
• Prepare and present program status reports to leadership and stakeholders.
• Contribute to PMO processes, tools, and best practices.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Master’s degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or similar)

Tools

PMP certification

Earned Value Management (EVM)

AS9100 knowledge

Job description

ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experiencedProgram Managerto lead cross-functional aerospace programs from contract award through delivery. This role is responsible for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically fluent, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program execution in accordance with contractual requirements, customer expectations, and internal processes
• Own programcost, schedule, scope, and riskperformance
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, and forecasts
• Serve as the primary customer interface, including participation in reviews, status meetings, and program briefings
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks and opportunities using structured risk management tools (e.g., 5x5 risk matrix)
• Manage change control, contract modifications, and customer requests
• Prepare and present program status reports to internal leadership and external stakeholders
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of PMO processes, tools, and best practices
• Additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field
• 8+ years of program or project management experience in aerospace, defense, or a highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional programs
• Strong understanding of program controls (cost, schedule, risk, change management)
• Experience working with customer contracts and formal reporting requirements
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or similar)
• PMP or equivalent certification
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Experience working in an AS9100-certified organization

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office and manufacturing
• Able to meet program deadlines and occasional schedule flexibility

Compensation & Benefits

The good faith base salary range (OR hourly range) for this role is $110,000-$135,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the ,range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package and various other benefits.When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Export Control / Compliance Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.