Director, Program Management Operations (PMO)

Axiom Space•Houston, TX

About The Position

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com. Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Director, Program Management Operations who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond. POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Program Management Operations plays a critical role within the Program Management Office (PMO), supporting the delivery of complex aerospace programs and high-visibility business projects. This position ensures alignment between project execution and organizational goals by establishing effective project controls, driving cross-functional coordination, and maintaining strong governance practices. The role leads program projects from concept through completion, promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced project leader capable of managing diverse initiatives involving contract negotiations, regulatory activities, construction, product development, IT systems, and operational process improvements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field required.
15+ years of progressive project management experience, preferably within aerospace, defense, or other high-technology industries.
Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion, delivering on time and within budget.
Strong understanding of project lifecycles, systems engineering principles, and commercial or government contract management.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence without authority and effectively engage stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Visio, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills with the ability to proactively address complex challenges.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to tailor information for executive leadership.
Proven track record of delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines and in fast-moving, ambiguous environments.
Passion for space and the mission
Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster
Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork.
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Engineering/Management) preferred.
PMP or PgMP certification strongly preferred.
Experience supporting external customer or supplier negotiations is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the on-time, on-budget delivery of strategic business projects with aggressive timelines.
Define and document project scope, develop cost estimates, and build detailed project schedules for complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Maintain effective project controls and manage risks, issues, changes, decisions, costs, resources, and timelines, ensuring alignment with business goals.
Support the drafting and negotiation of contracts with suppliers and customers/innovators, ensuring feasible scope, timelines, and budgets.
Manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines while providing clear, transparent communication of project status, health, risks, and forecasts to leadership and stakeholders.
Drive team effectiveness by identifying workload priorities, removing obstacles, and facilitating resolution of project-related issues.
Balance competing project constraints—including scope, quality, schedule, funding, resources, and risk—to ensure project success.
Serve as an SME to cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Procurement, Mission Services, and other internal partners to meet project objectives.
Support customer reviews, project documentation, and contract-related activities.
Apply and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle where appropriate.
Maintain standardized tools, templates, and reporting practices to support accurate project tracking.
Identify opportunities for process improvement that enhance project communication, efficiency, and performance.
Perform additional job duties as assigned.