Principal Program Manager for the Program Management Office (PMO)

Axiom Space•Houston, TX

About The Position

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station – Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere. 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 Principal Program Manager who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond. POSITION SUMMARY The Principal Program Manager 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, 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.
Grit
Passion for space and the mission
Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
Perseverance
Resourceful, adaptable
Executes priorities with precision and pace
High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
Tech-savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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 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.