Associate Program Manager

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
93K-128K Annually
Junior
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Robotics • Defense • Utilities
Defending Today. Defining Tomorrow.
The Role
Leads programs valued under $25 million, managing cost, schedule, budget, technical performance, contractual compliance, risks, and execution. Develops program plans, schedules, and budgets; monitors performance and implements corrective actions. Coordinates engineering, finance, operations, and other cross-functional teams while communicating status to internal and external stakeholders. Maintains customer relationships, prepares reports and presentations, and leads smaller programs, integrated product teams, or portions of larger programs.
Summary Generated by Built In
Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.  


Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.  

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the RoleThe Associate Program Manager is responsible for leading a program and has overall responsibility and authority for that program/contract's cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role is accountable for managing the budget, schedule, and execution within contractual requirements. They will have specific program management training in EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR, and CAS. Development Program Managers should have a strong technical background or engineering degree, while Sustaining Program Managers need to have technical acumen but may not have an engineering degree. The Associate Program Manager will have external customer-facing, end-to-end responsibility and may lead a single program, an Integrated Product Team (IPT), or a portfolio of programs. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex projects, stay updated with the latest industry trends, and contribute to the continuous improvement of program management processes.
In this role, you will lead a program and have overall responsibility and authority for its cost, schedule, and technical performance while being accountable for a program, IPT, or portfolio of programs valued at less than $25M. You will manage the budget, schedule, and execution within contractual requirements, utilizing program management training in EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR, and CAS to ensure success. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining program plans, schedules, and budgets; monitoring program performance and implementing corrective actions as needed to meet objectives; and collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, and operations, to drive program success. Additionally, you will communicate program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders and team members, prepare and deliver effective reports and presentations to both internal and external stakeholders, and ensure compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements. You will also foster strong relationships with external customers and stakeholders and lead and manage smaller programs or portions of larger programs.About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.  

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
  • Typically 2+ years of related experience.
  • Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or in progress.
  • Intermediate understanding of project and program management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
  • Basic knowledge of risk management techniques, including risk identification and mitigation strategies.
  • Understanding of budgeting and financial tracking.
  • Basic understanding of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
  • Basic understanding of resource allocation and management concepts.
  • Effective communication with stakeholders and team members.
  • Ability to manage multiple small workstreams or projects within a program.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong technical background or engineering degree for Development Program Managers.
  • Understanding of supply chain management and logistics as they pertain to program execution.
  • Technical acumen for Sustaining Program Managers.
  • Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
  • Participated in 2026 SS Intern Academy


Compensation:

Pay Range:

$93,413.00 - $128,465.00

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. 

 
We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree
  • Typically 2 or more years of related experience
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or certification in progress
  • Intermediate understanding of project and program management methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall
  • Basic knowledge of risk management techniques, including risk identification and mitigation
  • Understanding of budgeting and financial tracking
  • Basic understanding of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
  • Basic understanding of resource allocation and management concepts
  • Effective communication with stakeholders and team members
  • Ability to manage multiple small workstreams or projects within a program
  • Strong technical background or engineering degree for Development Program Managers
  • Understanding of supply chain management and logistics related to program execution
  • Technical acumen for Sustaining Program Managers
  • Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies
  • Participation in the 2026 SS Intern Academy

What the Team is Saying

Dylan
Sarah
Chris
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Sierra Space Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Retirement Support The 401(k) match is positioned at 150% of employee contributions up to 6% of pay (with some materials noting a prior 8% cap), which stands out compared with many aerospace peers. This structure can yield up to a 9% employer contribution when employees defer 6%.
  • Healthcare Strength Medical, dental, and vision coverage are consistently offered alongside PPO and HDHP options with HSA/FSA access, and company HSA contributions are noted. Health insurance is described with affordable premiums and solid plan quality.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Job postings commonly cite about three weeks of PTO plus paid holidays. Parental and family medical leave are also referenced as part of the package.

Sierra Space Insights

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The Company
HQ: Louisville, CO
1,600 Employees
Year Founded: 2021

What We Do

Securing The Freedom of Operations Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.

Why Work With Us

At Sierra Space, you’ll find a supportive, respectful and upbeat culture where your opinions matter and your personal contributions have impact. If you’re thinking about your own next frontier, we’d love to help you explore it.

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Sierra Space Offices

OnSite Workspace

Typical time on-site: None
HQLouisville, CO
Durham, NC
Madison, WI
Exploration Park
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