Associate Program Manager
Sierra Space builds missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Our team shares a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest space missions today, safeguarding the nation, sustaining human presence in space, and securing operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.
About the Role
The Associate Program Manager leads a program and has overall responsibility and authority for its cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role manages the budget, schedule, and execution within contractual requirements, utilizing program management training in EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR, and CAS. The position may lead a single program, an Integrated Product Team (IPT), or a portfolio of programs valued at less than $25 M, and includes external customer‑facing, end‑to‑end responsibility.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, and budgets.
- Monitor program performance and implement corrective actions to meet objectives.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including engineering, finance, and operations—to drive program success.
- Communicate program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders and team members.
- Prepare and deliver effective reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements.
- Foster strong relationships with external customers and stakeholders.
- Lead and manage smaller programs or portions of larger programs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
- Typically 2 + years of related experience.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or in progress.
- Intermediate understanding of project and program management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
- Basic knowledge of risk management techniques, including risk identification and mitigation.
- Understanding of budgeting and financial tracking.
- Basic understanding of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS).
- Basic understanding of resource allocation and management concepts.
- Effective communication with stakeholders and team members.
- Ability to manage multiple small workstreams or projects within a program.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong technical background or engineering degree for Development Program Managers.
- Understanding of supply chain management and logistics as they pertain to program execution.
- Technical acumen for Sustaining Program Managers.
- Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
- Participation in the 2026 SS Intern Academy.
Compensation
Pay Range: $93,413.00 – $128,465.00. Base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis, reflecting job‑related knowledge, skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision plans.
- 401(k) with 150 % match up to 6 %.
- Life insurance.
- Three weeks paid time off.
- Additional generous benefit offerings.