Program Manager

Orion Space Solutions, an Arcfield company, is seeking an experienced Space Systems Program Manager to lead the development, integration, and delivery of payloads and complete space vehicles. This role requires strong program management, cross-functional leadership, technical oversight, and customer relationship management throughout the program lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of space systems programs, including payload development, space vehicle integration, and mission operations.
• Develop and manage program plans, schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables to meet customer requirements and program objectives.
• Manage program personnel and coordinate engineering and technical stakeholders across system design, integration, testing, and validation.
• Identify and manage program and technical risks, trade-offs, and mitigation strategies throughout the development lifecycle.
• Serve as a primary interface with customers and cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, leadership, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Lead program and customer reviews, presenting technical analyses, program status, risks, and key decisions.
• Support payload integration, space vehicle deployment, operational readiness, and ground-to-space coordination.
• Monitor post-launch system performance and use data to support troubleshooting, enhancements, and future designs.
• Support on-contract growth and new business opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace standards, ITAR, export requirements, and customer requirements, and maintain required program and technical documentation.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Business Operations, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field plus 10–12 years of experience; master’s degree plus 8–10 years of experience; or PhD plus 5–7 years of experience.
• At least five years of space industry experience, including direct involvement in payload and vehicle development and experience managing complex space systems projects from concept through operation.
• 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 manage competing program priorities.
• Ability to travel occasionally to support program reviews, testing, and launch operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. 

Desired Skills

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Project management certification, such as PMP, Agile, or Scrum.
• Experience with space vehicle launch operations and mission architecture.
• Familiarity with satellite communication systems, propulsion systems, thermal control, and attitude/orbit control systems.
• Experience with government contracts and familiarity with ITAR and export compliance regulations.

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.