Deputy Program Manager for Propulsion Development

Venus Aerospace•Houston, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion. The Deputy Program Manager for Propulsion Development will partner with leaders from manufacturing, engineering, test, purchasing and sales to develop Venus propulsion systems. You will own program requirements, schedules, and budgets and ensure the integrated team delivers propulsion systems with exceptional performance and propellant mass fraction that are manufacturable and marketable. This is a hands-on program leadership role in a rapidly evolving startup environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
Excellent communication and technical writing skills, including preparation of CDRLs and technical data packages
15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or national security programs
5+ years of experience as a Program Manager in aerospace
Proven track record of excellence and achievement
Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs to cost and schedule.
U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with USG programs, acquisitions, and operational concepts.
Understanding of U.S. Government acquisition processes, contracting, and operational concepts.
Familiarity with government acquisition processes, requirements decomposition, and systems verification.
Familiarity with rapid prototyping, OTA contracts, and accelerated development environments.

Responsibilities

Ensure alignment between Venus Aerospace business plan and technology roadmap.
Deconflict resources and set priorities.
Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance from design through manufacturing, integration, test, and deployment.
Translate mission needs into product requirements, guide design reviews, and manage technical or contractual changes.
Ensure designs can be manufactured and supply chains can support timelines and prioritize work.
Ensure the design of experiments meet exit criteria and achieve product performance.
Lead program reviews, present technical and schedule briefings, negotiate requirements, and maintain strong relationships with customer stakeholders.
Identify program risks early, develop mitigation plans, and maintain schedule fidelity under aggressive timelines.
Lead proposal efforts and contract negotiations, ensuring technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, and compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements.