Technical Program Manager, Space Systems

Vantor's Career
Westminster, CO, United States
11 days ago

Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Experience level
Expert
Experience required
10 years minimum
Compensation
$135,000.0 - $198,000.0
Working hours
Regular working hours

Tech stack

Artificial Intelligence Data Analysis Systems Engineering Computer Vision Big Data Configuration Management Integrated Service Routers Information Technology Data Analytics

Job description

As a Technical Program Manager, Space Systems, you will lead execution of one of our most advanced space programs from system design through Initial Operating Capability (IOC). You will be responsible for driving the successful delivery of the Vantage satellite system by integrating engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, launch preparation, mission operations, and customer stakeholders into a single executable program.

This role owns technical program execution-not engineering design authority. You will partner closely with engineering leaders to ensure technical decisions, schedules, risks, suppliers, and operational activities remain aligned to mission objectives. Success requires balancing technical understanding with exceptional execution, anticipating issues before they become program risks, and driving cross-functional teams toward critical milestones.

You will coordinate internal engineering organizations and external partners responsible for spacecraft development, payload integration, launch preparation, ground segment integration, mission operations, and system commissioning. From preliminary design through launch, LEOP, on-orbit commissioning, and operational readiness, you will ensure every element of the mission comes together as a cohesive operational capability.

We are looking for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, communicates clearly across technical disciplines, makes informed decisions quickly, removes execution barriers, and maintains relentless focus on delivering mission success., Our most successful Technical Program Managers combine deep technical curiosity with disciplined execution. They build trust across organizations, communicate with clarity, make data-driven decisions, take ownership of difficult problems, and enable engineering teams to move quickly while maintaining the rigor required to deliver mission-critical space systems., Aerospace * Artificial Intelligence * Computer Vision * Software * Analytics * Defense * Big Data Analytics Lead end-to-end execution of a small-satellite constellation program, coordinating cross-functional engineering teams, managing integrated schedules, mitigating risks, driving technical decisions, and supporting design, integration, launch, commissioning, and on-orbit operations to meet mission objectives. Top Skills: AgileConfluenceFlight SoftwareGncJIRAMicrosoft Project, Vantor, Aerospace * Artificial Intelligence * Computer Vision * Software * Analytics * Defense * Big Data Analytics Lead systems engineering for satellite and ground systems across the full lifecycle: define mission concepts and ConOps, capture and manage requirements and traceability, develop high-level architectures, drive integration, verification, and operations, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to deliver resilient space systems. Top Skills: AnsysCameo Systems ModelerConfluenceEnterprise ArchitectGitIbm Doors NextJama ConnectJIRAMagicdrawModel-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse)PolarionStkSysml

Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.

  • 10+ years of technical program management, systems engineering, or engineering leadership experience delivering complex aerospace or high-reliability hardware systems.

  • Demonstrated experience managing development and execution of spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicle systems, or similarly complex multidisciplinary engineering programs.

  • Experience leading cross-functional technical programs spanning multiple engineering organizations and external suppliers.

  • Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles from design through integration, environmental test, launch, commissioning, and operations.

  • Experience coordinating hardware, software, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and customer stakeholders.

  • Experience managing external contractors, subsystem vendors, and strategic suppliers.

  • Demonstrated ability to identify technical, schedule, and programmatic risks early and drive effective mitigation plans.

  • Experience managing complex technical schedules, dependencies, critical paths, and program milestones.

  • Familiarity with spacecraft integration and test campaigns, launch site activities, and mission readiness reviews.

  • Understanding of ground segment integration, space-to-ground interfaces, mission planning, and operational readiness activities.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across engineering teams, executives, customers, and external partners.

  • Demonstrated ownership mentality with a history of driving programs to successful completion in fast-paced, execution-focused environments.

  • Ability to travel as required to customer locations, suppliers, integration facilities, launch sites, and operational centers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience delivering complete space missions from concept through Initial Operating Capability.

  • Experience managing development of remote sensing, Earth observation, ISR, or other exquisite spacecraft and payload systems.

  • Experience coordinating spacecraft bus development, payload integration, and system-level verification across multiple organizations.

  • Experience integrating commercial and government-furnished equipment (CFE/GFE) into operational space systems.

  • Experience leading development and verification of space-to-ground interfaces across spacecraft, communications infrastructure, mission operations, and ground software.

  • Experience planning and executing Launch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP) and on-orbit commissioning campaigns.

  • Experience preparing organizations for operational readiness, mission rehearsals, and sustained on-orbit operations.

  • Familiarity with launch vehicle integration activities and launch campaign execution.

  • Working knowledge of systems engineering practices including interface management, technical baselines, configuration management, verification planning, and risk management.

  • Experience supporting U.S. Government space programs or National Security Space missions.

  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

This position requires a technical leader who can connect engineering execution across every phase of the mission. You will establish program priorities, maintain alignment across internal teams and external partners, resolve issues before they impact delivery, and ensure technical, operational, and business objectives remain synchronized.

Benefits & conditions

Posted Yesterday Be an Early Applicant In-Office Westminster, CO, USA 135K-198K Annually Expert/Leader In-Office Westminster, CO, USA 135K-198K Annually Expert/Leader Lead end-to-end execution of a spacecraft program from design through IOC. Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, launch preparation, ground segment integration, mission operations, and customers. Manage schedules, risks, dependencies, and milestones; drive cross-functional teams and external partners to mission readiness, LEOP, on-orbit commissioning, and operational capability. The summary above was generated by AI

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee.

Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)., * The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $135,000.00 - $180,000.00 - $198,000.00 annually.

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careers Additionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire., 135K-198K Annually Senior level 135K-198K Annually Senior level Aerospace * Artificial Intelligence * Computer Vision * Software * Analytics * Defense * Big Data Analytics Lead mission architecture and high-level ground system designs for satellite and mission operations. Translate customer objectives into executable architectures, manage technical baselines, run design reviews and trade studies, mentor engineers, and support proposals, customer engagements, and product strategy. Top Skills: Cameo Systems ModelerEnterprise ArchitectIbm Doors NextIncose Systems Engineering HandbookIso/Iec/Ieee 15288Jama ConnectMagicdrawModel-Based Systems Engineering (Mbse)PolarionSysml

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
  • Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

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