Program Manager

Katalyst Space Technologies•Broomfield, CO

14h•$120,000 - $160,000

About The Position

Katalyst is hiring a Program Manager to own day-to-day execution of one or more technical programs. The role coordinates engineering, operations, and leadership to keep plans, milestones, risks, and deliverables aligned across hardware, software, and mission operations teams. The Program Manager supports roadmap execution alongside senior program leadership and functional leads, identifies and mitigates risks, and maintains program dashboards, status reports, and decision logs for transparency and accountability. The position calls for an ownership-oriented, structured communicator who can create clarity in fast-paced, high-ambiguity environments and participate comfortably in technical discussions. The ideal background includes leading complex technical programs and working with deep-tech systems, preferably in space, aerospace/defense, robotics, or new-space environments. The role may require extended hours and weekend work as needed. Katalyst describes its work environment as intense, hands-on, and rewarding, with real ownership and close collaboration among driven teammates. The company develops robotic space vehicles and foundational capabilities for sustained space operations. Roles involving U.S. Department of Defense projects require ITAR compliance; non-U.S. persons must be authorized to access ITAR-controlled information before employment begins.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
At least 4 years leading complex technical programs.
Experience working in fast-paced, high-ambiguity environments.
Exposure to hardware and software development lifecycles.
Experience supporting cross-functional teams with tight deadlines.
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Ability to take ownership of outcomes, follow through, and close loops.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with leadership and manage across functions.
Structured thinking and the ability to organize teams and create clarity from ambiguity.
Technical literacy, including comfort in technical discussions and understanding system-level tradeoffs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in space, aerospace/defense, robotics, or other deep-tech systems.
Experience in new-space or modern technology companies rather than traditional defense primes.

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day execution of one or more technical programs, ensuring cross-functional alignment across engineering, operations, and leadership.
Develop and maintain program plans, including schedules, milestones, risks, and action tracking.
Coordinate hardware, software, and mission operations teams to ensure deliverables are integrated and on track.
Identify risks early, drive mitigation plans, and escalate appropriately with clear recommendations.
Support roadmap execution in partnership with senior program leadership and functional leads.
Maintain program dashboards, status reports, and decision logs to ensure transparency and accountability.