Associate Program Manager

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

About The Position

The 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree)
Typically 2+ years of related experience
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Developing and maintaining program plans, schedules, and budgets
Monitoring program performance and implementing corrective actions as needed to meet objectives
Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, and operations, to drive program success
Communicating program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders and team members
Preparing and delivering effective reports and presentations to both internal and external stakeholders
Ensuring compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements
Fostering strong relationships with external customers and stakeholders
Leading and managing smaller programs or portions of larger programs