Project Manager I-II - UPDATED

About the role

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory operates state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community and has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

NRAO is expanding project management excellence as exciting new projects begin. We seek a project manager to join our team who will contribute to observatory projects while modernizing observatory processes and project controls. This role offers the opportunity to combine project management experience with an interest in improving processes and contributing to NRAO’s science through observatory operations and development.

The position is on-site at either the NRAO site in Socorro, NM or Albuquerque, NM. If based in Albuquerque, frequent travel to Socorro will be required. Domestic travel to other locations is required at approximately 10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead all project management tasks for assigned projects
• Optimize resources among assigned projects, determine scheduling priorities, and coordinate project components for the best overall outcome
• Provide written periodic progress reports to the Observatory, including KPIs, milestones, and other progress metrics
• Provide periodic budget reports and forecasts
• Lead project teams through successful gate reviews
• Manage scope and budget change requests
• Coordinate effectively with all levels of project teams and stakeholders
• Increase efficiency of observatory staff to prepare proposals and manage projects within the project management framework

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering, computational, or scientific field
• Five or more years of work experience directly related to this project (software programming, electrical engineering, etc.) may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement
• One year of experience as a project manager, preferably in a scientific or engineering organization
• Demonstrated experience with core program management responsibilities: risk management, scheduling, process engineering, testing, quality and product assurance principles and applications, reporting, acquisition, budgeting

Skills

• Demonstrated fluency with Microsoft Project, Confluence, and Jira as project management tools
• Passion for writing quality, accurate, and detailed documentation
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and leadership skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Proactive work ethic and ability to work both with a team and independently
• Ability to work effectively with and build consensus among stakeholders

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Pay

The starting salary rate of this position is between $76,000 and $106,000 per year. Factors that may affect starting pay within this range include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution