Program Manager, Space Missions (willing to consider all Sr. Levels) - Littleton, CO

Redwire's Littleton, CO location is made for the Mission - accelerating humanity's expansion into space by delivering reliable, sustainable, and innovative infrastructure for future generations.

Summary

Redwire Space Missions, LLC is seeking an experienced Program Manager to join our Space Missions Team and lead complex, multi‑contract space mission programs for the DoD, U.S. Space Force, SDA, AFRL, and other national security space customers. This role requires deep, hands‑on experience executing spacecraft, payload, and/or ground segment development programs within high‑reliability, mission‑critical environments. This leader will direct programs from concept development through launch, on‑orbit operations, and sustainment - ensuring excellence across technical performance, cost, schedule, mission assurance, contractual compliance, supplier execution, and customer engagement.

This is considered an onsite position. Candidates must hold an active DoD clearance or be eligible to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end execution of DoD, Space Force, SDA, and AFRL satellite programs, including spacecraft development, payload delivery, ground system integration, and mission operations transition.
• Direct program planning, architecture definition, integration strategy, and mission delivery across multiple teams and subcontractors.
• Ensure compliance with government acquisition requirements, including PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR, ICD development, configuration control, and verification & validation.
• Oversee technical performance across spacecraft bus, payload, avionics, communications, power systems, integration & test, environmental qualification, and mission operations.
• Drive adherence to mission assurance standards (NASA GEVS, MIL‑STD‑1540, DoD/Space Force mission assurance guidance).
• Lead major program reviews with customers and independent technical authorities.
• Manage program budgets, staffing, resource allocations, subcontractor performance, and cost/schedule baselines.
• Oversee Earned Value Management (EVM) compliance; prepare ETC, EAC, and customer reporting packages.
• Conduct contract negotiations, change management, and develop proposals for new or expanded work.
• Maintain trusted relationships with government customers, prime contractors, and mission partners through proactive communication and delivery excellence.
• Lead program‑level risk management activities.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, OPSEC, ITAR, mission security, and export regulations.
• Experience operating within FAR/DFARS requirements, including cost accounting standards (such as CAS 410 or CAS 418), government negotiation procedures (FAR Part 15), and EVM compliance frameworks applicable to major DoD space system acquisitions.
• Lead and mentor project and program managers; build high‑performing teams.
• Manage large multidisciplinary teams and multiple subcontractors.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of program management experience delivering spacecraft, satellite subsystems, mission payloads, or ground systems.
• Extensive experience delivering DoD, U.S. Space Force, SDA, AFRL, and NASA space programs.
• Deep familiarity with spacecraft architecture, payload integration, comms, optical payloads, avionics, environmental test, and mission operations.
• Strong proficiency with MS Project, Primavera, Jira, DOORS, and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated success managing multi‑contract, multi‑customer portfolios.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25%.
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person under ITAR; must possess or be eligible for a DoD clearance.

Desired Skills

• Proven track record delivering satellites or major subsystems in high‑reliability environments.
• Ability to lead through influence and maintain alignment under pressure.
• Experience working with primes, subsystem suppliers, and mission partners in national security space.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Expertise shaping proposals and recommending technical and programmatic solutions.
• Ability to coach teams and model leadership excellence.

Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.

For Colorado positions:

Pay Range

$165,000 - $230,000 per year

Don’t meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you’re excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.

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. Learn more about the ITAR Click Here