Program Manager

About the Role

The Program Manager will lead and oversee all Operations and Maintenance (O&M) performance for our client's program across multiple globally dispersed sites in Maui, HI, Socorro, NM, and Diego Garcia, NSF. This role ensures successful performance across cost, schedule, staffing, quality, security, and mission-critical outcomes. The position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the key decision-maker and leader for contract operations, ensuring successful execution of all program objectives while maintaining accountability for cost, schedule performance, staffing, quality assurance, operational security, and mission success across all assigned sites.
• Act as the primary point of contact with internal leadership and external partners, fostering collaboration and alignment with mission objectives.
• Manage program transition planning, staffing efforts, subcontractor coordination, and risk mitigation. Address performance objectives, implement corrective actions, and oversee Program Management Reviews (PMRs) to ensure operational excellence.
• Ensure all program documentation—including the management plan, staffing chart, vacancy-fill plans, quality program guidelines, contingency plans, and deliverables—remains updated and compliant with established standards and requirements.
• Direct cross-training and coordination to ensure consistent team coverage and operational reliability. Develop and implement a documented management succession and continuity plan to maintain leadership stability.
• Provide after-hours support for incident response, deadlines, or mission-critical exercises when required. Maintain operational readiness for geographically separated, classified, and rotating mission schedules.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, program management, space operations, or a related discipline is strongly preferred. Advanced education, such as a master’s degree, is highly desirable.
• Equivalent senior military experience or defense program management expertise may be considered in lieu of formal educational requirements.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience within technical services or operations and maintenance missions.
• At least 5 years of experience managing geographically dispersed, classified, multi-site programs or 24/7 mission-critical environments.
• Strong preference for previous experience with space domain awareness and/or optical sensor operations.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively with organizational stakeholders in high-pressure environments.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills to uphold performance objectives and mission-critical goals.
• Top Secret/SCI Clearance is required. Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or an equivalent program management credential is preferred.
• Proven success in leading programs within the space domain awareness sector.
• Familiarity with optical sensor systems and/or related technologies.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
• Paid Time Off.

Pay

USD $174,000.00 - USD $209,000.00 /Yr.

Working Conditions

• Remote desert and range environment with limited immediate services and facilities.
• Exposure to extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures during the day, cold temperatures at night, wind, dust storms, and other weather-related challenges.
• Working in operational and technical spaces such as equipment rooms and maintenance areas.
• Use of stairs and ladders is often required to access certain areas of the site or equipment.
• Operating in confined spaces with strict adherence to safety protocols.
• 24/7 operational readiness, with an expectation of occasional after-hours support for incidents, exercises, deadlines, and travel obligations.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at a computer screen.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.