Technical Program Manager, Space Systems

Vantor • Westminster, CO

2d • $135,000 - $198,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Vantor is seeking a Technical Program Manager, Space Systems to lead the execution of advanced space programs from system design through Initial Operating Capability (IOC). This role is responsible for driving the successful delivery of the Vantage satellite system by integrating engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, launch preparation, mission operations, and customer stakeholders into a single executable program. The position owns technical program execution, partnering closely with engineering leaders to ensure technical decisions, schedules, risks, suppliers, and operational activities align with mission objectives. Success requires balancing technical understanding with exceptional execution, anticipating issues before they become program risks, and driving cross-functional teams toward critical milestones. The role involves coordinating internal engineering organizations and external partners responsible for spacecraft development, payload integration, launch preparation, ground segment integration, mission operations, and system commissioning. From preliminary design through launch, LEOP, on-orbit commissioning, and operational readiness, the Technical Program Manager will ensure every element of the mission comes together as a cohesive operational capability. Vantor is looking for an individual who thrives in fast-moving environments, communicates clearly across technical disciplines, makes informed decisions quickly, removes execution barriers, and maintains a relentless focus on delivering mission success. This position requires a technical leader who can connect engineering execution across every phase of the mission, establish program priorities, maintain alignment across internal teams and external partners, resolve issues before they impact delivery, and ensure technical, operational, and business objectives remain synchronized. Successful Technical Program Managers at Vantor combine deep technical curiosity with disciplined execution, build trust across organizations, communicate with clarity, make data-driven decisions, take ownership of difficult problems, and enable engineering teams to move quickly while maintaining the rigor required to deliver mission-critical space systems.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of technical program management, systems engineering, or engineering leadership experience delivering complex aerospace or high-reliability hardware systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing development and execution of spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicle systems, or similarly complex multidisciplinary engineering programs.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical programs spanning multiple engineering organizations and external suppliers.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles from design through integration, environmental test, launch, commissioning, and operations.
• Experience coordinating hardware, software, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and customer stakeholders.
• Experience managing external contractors, subsystem vendors, and strategic suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to identify technical, schedule, and programmatic risks early and drive effective mitigation plans.
• Experience managing complex technical schedules, dependencies, critical paths, and program milestones.
• Familiarity with spacecraft integration and test campaigns, launch site activities, and mission readiness reviews.
• Understanding of ground segment integration, space-to-ground interfaces, mission planning, and operational readiness activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across engineering teams, executives, customers, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ownership mentality with a history of driving programs to successful completion in fast-paced, execution-focused environments.
• Ability to travel as required to customer locations, suppliers, integration facilities, launch sites, and operational centers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience delivering complete space missions from concept through Initial Operating Capability.
• Experience managing development of remote sensing, Earth observation, ISR, or other exquisite spacecraft and payload systems.
• Experience coordinating spacecraft bus development, payload integration, and system-level verification across multiple organizations.
• Experience integrating commercial and government-furnished equipment (CFE/GFE) into operational space systems.
• Experience leading development and verification of space-to-ground interfaces across spacecraft, communications infrastructure, mission operations, and ground software.
• Experience planning and executing Launch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP) and on-orbit commissioning campaigns.
• Experience preparing organizations for operational readiness, mission rehearsals, and sustained on-orbit operations.
• Familiarity with launch vehicle integration activities and launch campaign execution.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering practices including interface management, technical baselines, configuration management, verification planning, and risk management.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government space programs or National Security Space missions.
• Active U.S. Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of advanced space programs from system design through Initial Operating Capability (IOC).
• Drive the successful delivery of the Vantage satellite system by integrating engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, launch preparation, mission operations, and customer stakeholders.
• Partner closely with engineering leaders to ensure technical decisions, schedules, risks, suppliers, and operational activities remain aligned to mission objectives.
• Coordinate internal engineering organizations and external partners responsible for spacecraft development, payload integration, launch preparation, ground segment integration, mission operations, and system commissioning.
• Ensure every element of the mission comes together as a cohesive operational capability from preliminary design through launch, LEOP, on-orbit commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Establish program priorities, maintain alignment across internal teams and external partners, resolve issues before they impact delivery, and ensure technical, operational, and business objectives remain synchronized.

Benefits

• Robust 401(k) with company match
• Mental health resources
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Adoption reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior