Technical Program Manager, Ground Systems

Vantor•Westminster, CO

About The Position

Vantor is seeking a Technical Program Manager, Ground Systems to lead the execution of the Vantor Enhanced Ground Architecture (VEGA) program. This role is responsible for driving the implementation of the company's next-generation ground architecture, which will enable scalable operations for the Vantage and Pulse satellite constellations. The program aims to deliver automation, operational efficiencies, and achieve long-term architectural objectives. The position reports to the Director of Portfolio & Program Management and will operate at the intersection of engineering, operations, software, infrastructure, cybersecurity, mission operations, and executive leadership to ensure VEGA is delivered on schedule, within scope, and aligned with company strategy. This is a highly technical program leadership role for an experienced systems thinker who can translate strategic objectives into executable plans, coordinate cross-functional engineering teams, identify and resolve technical and programmatic risks, and drive complex ground system deployments from concept through operational readiness. Success requires technical credibility, exceptional execution, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to maintain momentum across multiple organizations.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Typically 12+ years of experience leading complex technical programs within aerospace, space systems, defense, robotics, telecommunications, or other highly integrated engineering environments.
Demonstrated experience managing large cross-functional engineering programs involving software, infrastructure, hardware, and operational stakeholders.
Experience delivering ground systems, mission operations systems, satellite operations infrastructure, cloud-based operational platforms, or similarly complex distributed systems.
Proven ability to develop integrated program plans, establish technical milestones, manage dependencies, and drive execution across multiple engineering organizations.
Experience identifying, communicating, and mitigating technical, schedule, cost, and integration risks.
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, system integration, verification, validation, and operational readiness.
Experience coordinating architecture implementation across multiple technical disciplines while maintaining alignment with strategic objectives.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technical leadership, executives, customers, and external partners.
Experience leading technical reviews, program status reviews, and executive-level decision forums.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a rapidly evolving environment.
Demonstrated ownership mentality with a history of delivering complex programs through ambiguity and changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Experience with satellite ground segment architecture, mission planning, telemetry and command systems, flight operations, network operations, or ground data systems.
Experience implementing automated operational workflows and modern DevSecOps or Site Reliability Engineering practices for mission-critical systems.
Familiarity with cloud-native architectures, Kubernetes, containerized applications, infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and enterprise integration technologies.
Experience coordinating programs involving distributed software teams, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and mission operations organizations.
Working knowledge of Agile program execution methodologies and technical product delivery frameworks.
Experience supporting commercial space, Earth observation, national security space, or defense programs.
Demonstrated success leading enterprise-scale modernization initiatives involving operational transformation and automation.
Ability to evaluate technical trade studies and facilitate architecture decisions while balancing technical performance, schedule, cost, and operational risk.
Experience working with government customers or highly regulated operational environments.
PMP, PgMP, Agile, SAFe, or equivalent program management certifications are beneficial but not required.
Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one is desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of the VEGA implementation roadmap across engineering, mission operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development teams.
Coordinate delivery of the target ground architecture supporting the Vantage and Pulse constellations.
Drive cross-functional planning, execution, dependency management, and milestone tracking across multiple technical organizations.
Partner with engineering leadership to ensure architectural decisions align with operational objectives, scalability requirements, and long-term platform strategy.
Establish program governance, technical reviews, decision frameworks, and executive reporting.
Identify program risks early and drive timely resolution through collaboration and data-driven decision making.
Ensure successful integration of automation capabilities that improve operational efficiency, reliability, scalability, and mission responsiveness.
Coordinate readiness activities supporting deployment, integration, verification, validation, and operational transition.
Foster collaboration across engineering disciplines while maintaining accountability, urgency, and execution excellence.
Continuously improve program execution processes to enable rapid, predictable delivery without unnecessary bureaucracy.