Program Manager I

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Lone Tree, CO

1d•$124,771 - $171,561•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you a technically strong, results-driven leader who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments? As a Program Manager I, you will guide programs operating at the cutting edge of technology development, delivering novel solutions to Department of War (DoW) challenges. Our efforts focus on mid‑TRL, highly technical problem sets that demand creativity, rigor, and speed.In this role, you will work side-by-side with Principal Investigators, engineers, and specialty technologists to shape, prototype, and field rapid technology solutions. Our programs are small, agile, and execution-focused, allowing technical program managers to meaningfully influence architecture, design trades, test strategy, and technical direction. These programs are high‑priority, high‑visibility efforts, providing regular exposure to senior leadership and giving you the opportunity to directly influence strategy and outcomes. You will also work directly with DoW customers in a collaborative development environment—ensuring solutions align with real operational needs and mature rapidly. The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Project Management, Management, Engineering or related field.
6+ years of progressive experience in project or program management.
1+ years' experience leading teams made up of 3+ cross functional team members.
Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 9 years of related experience is required.
Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
Formal A&D industry experience required
Experience with the evaluation of requests for proposals and/or quotes.
Experience with preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals and/or quotes.
Experience with contract negotiations, and the difference in contract types.
Experience with managing multiple projects and/or a small program.
Experience with being the primary focal for a customer.
Demonstrated financial acumen to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible.
Ability to execute coordination of all elements of a program, i.e., Program integration management.
Perform task coordination, resource development, stakeholder identification, etc.
Capability to manage program lifecycle conflicts, prioritize competing priorities/requests, and evaluate available resources.
Leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews.
Requires ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to dynamic situations.
Requires skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines.
Active us Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification (will not be considered in lieu of required experience).
Advanced degree in Business, Management, Engineering or related field (may be considered in lieu of 1 year of required project/program management experience).
Understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
Working knowledge of Program Management Institute Program Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
Managing projects using Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), agile, and or spiral development models.
Familiarity with projects requiring Earned Value Management.
Understanding with application tools and data architectures.
Ability to reinforce the usage & application of Corporate PM tools.
Experience with ensuring compliance with approved Corporate and ISO 9001:2000 Policies and Processes.
Technical degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Sciences, or related discipline.
Hands‑on experience leading mid‑TRL (3–6) technology development efforts, including prototype design, build, integration, and test.
Demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts, risks, and design trades into actionable program plans.
Prior experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams (systems, mechanical, electrical, software, test).
Experience working directly with Principal Investigators, scientists, and R&D engineering staff to drive technical outcomes.
Proven success in delivering rapid prototypes, technology demonstrations, or early‑stage fieldable capabilities.
Familiarity with DoD research environments (e.g., AFRL, DoW labs, Army C5ISR, Navy NAVAIR) and relevant acquisition pathways.
Strong understanding of systems engineering, requirements development, verification/validation, and technical risk management.
Experience managing projects with complex technical integration (sensors, autonomy, propulsion, mission systems, payloads, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to lead programs through iterative development, rapid learning cycles, and technical pivot decisions.
Prior responsibility for cost, schedule, risk, and technical performance on R&D or prototype development programs.
Experience preparing and defending technical proposals, design reviews, and customer briefings.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with government technical customers in collaborative development settings.
Familiarity with IRAD planning, technology road mapping, and transitioning technologies toward higher TRLs.

Responsibilities

Manage all programmatic and technical aspects of multiple mid‑TRL, solution‑oriented development projects—ensuring strong customer relationships, disciplined cost control, schedule adherence, and robust technical planning.
Track and report on technical execution, project maturity, rapid prototyping progress, and overall program performance to internal stakeholders and senior leadership.
Supervise technical and program staff, driving alignment between engineering execution, program objectives, and rapid‑solution development timelines.
Serve as the primary customer POC, engaging directly with DoW stakeholders in a collaborative, transparent environment to shape requirements and deliver mission‑focused technical solutions.
Lead business resource planning and coordinate with finance, operations, and engineering to ensure the right technical talent, tools, and investments are aligned to program needs.
Form and lead cross‑functional technical teams—including Principal Investigators, engineers, and analysts—to deliver mid‑TRL prototypes, demonstrations, and capability transitions.
Identify, track, and resolve technical and programmatic issues, ensuring risks are mitigated quickly and solution paths remain executable.
Manage program risks and opportunities, with a focus on technical maturation, integration readiness, and rapid solution delivery.
Develop proposals and interface on project status, bringing technical insight into cost, schedule, and performance estimates for new and ongoing efforts.
Conduct technical research and fact‑finding, supporting design trades, integration approaches, and mid‑TRL maturation strategies required for program success.
Coordinate audits and technical reviews, negotiating with stakeholders to ensure programs meet cost, budget, and schedule constraints while keeping technical progress on track.
Support the Program Director and Business Operations, ensuring alignment across the business area and contributing to investment planning, customer engagement strategy, and future solution development.
Lead multiple advanced R&D efforts aligned with SNC strategic objectives, ensuring technical credibility, solution relevance, and rapid maturation toward operational capability.
Drive cost, schedule, risk, and technical performance, ensuring mid‑TRL technologies transition efficiently toward higher maturity levels.
Act as the primary technical‑facing customer interface, fostering strong relationships, clear communication, and shared ownership of mission outcomes.