Program director Jobs in Madison, WI

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Program Manager II is responsible for leading a program and has overall responsibility and authority for that program/contract's cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role involves comprehensive program planning, execution, and resource management to ensure successful program outcomes. They will have a proven record of successful program management execution, in-depth knowledge across all facets of program management, and proficiency in financial and performance metrics analysis. The Program Manager II will collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives and develop and initiate Learning & Development programs. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex projects, stay updated with the latest industry trends, and contribute to the continuous improvement of program management processes.

In this role, you will lead a program and assume overall responsibility and authority for its cost, schedule, and technical performance, while being accountable for a program, Integrated Product Team (IPT), or portfolio of programs valued at less than $100M. You will manage budgets, schedules, and execution to ensure alignment with contractual requirements, while developing and maintaining comprehensive program plans, schedules, and budgets. By monitoring program performance, you will implement corrective actions as needed to meet objectives and leverage specific program management training in EVMS, CAM, BOE, FAR, and CAS for program success. You will apply advanced project management methodologies and tools, analyze financial and performance metrics to drive decisions and improvements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, supply chain, and operations. Additionally, you will communicate program status, risks, and issues to stakeholders, prepare and deliver effective reports and presentations, and ensure compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements. Building strong relationships with external customers and stakeholders will be a priority, as will developing and initiating Learning & Development programs to enhance team capabilities. You will apply problem-solving skills to address challenges, lead a single program, an IPT, or a portfolio of programs, and provide mentorship to junior managers. Development Program Managers in this role should have a strong technical background or an engineering degree, while Sustaining Program Managers should possess technical acumen, even if they do not hold an engineering degree. With an external, customer-facing, end-to-end responsibility, you will lead management reviews, interface with financial teams, and drive complex program strategies to ensure success.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field (or a master's degree with 6+ years of experience).

• 8+ years of related experience.

• Certifications: Senior-level project management certifications preferred (e.g., PMP).

• Comprehensive knowledge of program management disciplines across various domains.

• Ability to manage a program with limited oversight.

• Capability to manage program budgets and meet specified schedules and technical objectives.

• Demonstrated experience with significant program management responsibility.

• In-depth knowledge across all facets of program planning, execution, and resource management.

• Profound skills in leading management reviews and interfacing with financial teams.

• Expert understanding of organizational KPI measurement and reporting.

• Advanced analytical skills for interpreting complex data.

• Ability to manage smaller programs or portions of larger programs.

• Ability to mentor junior managers and lead complex program strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

• Proficiency in using project management software tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or Asana.

• Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies.

• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and practices.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and systems engineering processes.

• Experience with contract management and negotiation.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.

• Strong technical writing skills for creating detailed project documentation and reports.

• Understanding of supply chain management and logistics as they pertain to program execution.

• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$143,398.00 - $197,171.50

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please .