Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next-generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York's complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York's existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We're looking to expand our team across the board.

The Senior Program Manager leads execution for one or more space missions or constellations, scaling beyond a single program to ensure consistent outcomes across multiple efforts. The Sr PM maintains FFP discipline, manages customer relationships and expectations, and directs cross-program resources as neededwithout implying portfolio-director responsibilities. This role requires deep scar tissue from delivering complex systems, mastery of lifecycle events, and strong judgment in difficult tradeoffs. You will mentor our Program Managers, build scalable processes, and embody our mission to deliver breakthrough space capabilities faster and more efficiently than anyone else.

Required Experience and Job Requirements

Contract Acumen

• Clear experience in leading the customer expectations on FFP (Firm Fixed Price) contracts with the USG
• Proactively managing contract updates for additional scope requests and maintain program milestone payments
• Protect the program from unnecessary scope growth by actively leveraging your in-depth knowledge of all the contractual documents
• Define customer expectations through clear, proactive communication and evidence-based options when issues arise

Executive Communication

• Proactively communicate effectively and efficiently with York executives on all facets of the program to resolve issues quickly and maintain the program health: financial/programmatic/technical
• Strategically communicate clearly with customer counterpart's leadership on the issue resolution
• Lead strategic conversations for all key program suppliers and small company executive leadership for beneficial solutions

Classified Program Leadership

• Strong experience in understanding security governance and documentation for execution on a program
• Clearly demonstrates the ability to provide guidance and processes for managing access and handling data transfers
• Ability to proactively identify security concerns in non-York facilities for testing and integration
• Ability to work with the security team to protect the program and company from security violations

Programmatic and Technical Breadth and Depth

• Lead full lifecycle execution for a large constellation, managing scope, schedule, budget, risks, and deliverables across the full life cycle.
• Own the FFP baseline: track performance to plan, manage changes for added scope/revenue, and leverage contract documents in difficult customer conversations
• Experience driving closure on programs with significant NRE
• Drive agile, data-driven program rhythms (dashboards, metrics) to maintain program health and de-risk execution early

Driving Internal Progress in Matrixed Organization

• Coordinate integrated teams (engineering, production, supply chain, finance, operations) and influence progress without relying on a large support org
• Experience in high-autonomy, high-complexity environments
• Driven to ensure the ball won't drop experience in working outside your swim lane or standard work background
• Ability to find innovative and low cost solutions to internal issues as they arise across the life of the program
• Mentor PMs/DPMs on event readiness (SRR, PDR, CDR, PSR, O&S), NRE execution, and TRL maturation
• Guide risk management for multiple efforts; lead resets/redesigns and accelerate recovery using data-driven decisions
• Direct cross-program resourcing when needed; align teams on priorities and resolve conflicts constructively

Additional Qualifications

Required for the Role

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, technical discipline, or related field.
• 10+ years leading complex aerospace/defense programs with multi-vehicle or multi-program scope.
• Prior clearance experience; TS/SCI eligibility required.
• Ability to work full-time onsite in Greenwood Village, CO.

Preferred for the Role

• Experience in high-autonomy, high-complexity environments (aircraft/aerospace manufacturing, oil & gas operations, high-reliability industrial systems).
• Master's degree in engineering or management.
• Experience in high-growth startup environments.

Key Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to spousal surcharge).
• Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous 401(k) match.
• Participation in our discretionary annual bonus and equity programs.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.

This role is eligible to participate in our equity award program. Any award is discretionary and not guaranteed and may be contingent upon individual and/or Company performance. The amount, timing, and terms of any equity award will be determined in accordance with the Company's equity incentive plan and applicable policies. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and accomplishment-specific awards.

York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.