Program Manager 1
The Program Manager 1 at Confidential Client's Space Sector leads cross-functional teams through all phases of program lifecycle management for revolutionary counterspace mission capabilities. This entry-level leadership role focuses on delivering contractual requirements on cost, schedule, and technical performance while fostering customer relationships and supporting business growth. The position requires managing smaller programs or acting as deputy on larger ones, emphasizing strategic planning, risk management, and team coordination within a government contracting environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a Program Manager 1 to lead cross-functional teams through program lifecycle activities for advanced space and counterspace mission capabilities. This entry-level program leadership role will manage cost, schedule and technical performance while helping shape customer relationships and capture strategy.
- Lead and coordinate Integrated Program Teams (IPTs) through shaping, capture, design, integration, test and fielding phases
- Manage program cost, schedule and technical performance to meet contractual requirements
- Support capture planning, proposal development and business planning to grow customer opportunities
- Establish program organization, staffing plans and resource allocation
- Maintain and report program status to leadership and customers; prepare and deliver executive-level briefings
- Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar cost and schedule control techniques to track baselines and performance
- Facilitate contract negotiations, change management, and configuration control board activities
- Drive requirements definition, traceability, and closure across the program lifecycle
- Identify, mitigate and track program risks and opportunities; maintain risk registers and mitigation plans
- Oversee supplier performance and manage government-furnished property/information as required
- Ensure program compliance with internal processes, policies and applicable industry standards
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years related experience, or Master’s degree plus 3 years related experience supporting U.S. Government contracts or equivalent program/subproject roles
- Ability to hold and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance at time of hire and obtain required Special Accesses
- At least 3 years performing technical or program tasks delivered on schedule and at cost (e.g., design, manufacturing, test or operations)
- At least 3 years of demonstrated leadership experience guiding teams toward a common goal
- Experience applying business and financial acumen to program decisions
- Strong written and verbal communications skills; able to present to customers and senior leadership
- Proven issue and problem-resolution skills, including cross-functional conflict resolution
- Ability to travel up to 20% (typical program travel)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading teams (4+ people) and managing scope or budgets in excess of $5M (or as part of a larger program)
- Undergraduate or graduate technical degree (engineering, science, math)
- Experience on space systems (satellites, space-to-ground comms, command & control, space vehicle ops)
- Familiarity with counterspace architectures, missions or technologies (offensive and/or defensive)
- Capture management experience and ability to shape customer expectations
- Strong skills in technical performance measurement, requirements management, program integration, and EVM-based planning & scheduling
- Demonstrated customer intimacy and supplier relationship management
Location, Clearance & Travel
- Location: Dulles Town Center, VA, USA
- Clearance: Top Secret/SCI required at time of application; ability to obtain additional Special Accesses may be required
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required for positions requiring government clearance
- Travel: Up to ~20% (program-dependent)
- Relocation assistance: May be available
Compensation & Benefits
- Primary salary range: $133,000 — $199,600 per year
- Employed by Confidential Client; benefits may include health insurance, life & disability insurance, retirement/savings plans, paid time off, and discretionary bonuses (program- and role-dependent)
- Salary offers are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience, education, role scope and market conditions
Why This Role (Recruiter Summary)
This is an excellent early-career program management opportunity for candidates who want to own P&L-style responsibilities on space-related programs while developing capture, technical integration, and EVM management skills. The role provides exposure to cross-discipline leadership, customer engagement, and supplier management in a cleared, mission-critical environment.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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