Special Projects Program Manager

Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:59 MST, 17 MAY 2026.

NOTE: Applicants must use MM/DD/YYYY date format for experience entries on resume.

The AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate seeks to hire a Program Manager in the Small Satellite Portfolio (RJE-N) at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing cost, schedule, and performance; engagement with contractors on exploratory and new capabilities; satellite systems; systems engineering; and ground systems. The job also involves close coordination with Branch and higher-level leadership, mission partners from across the space community, experimentalists, and scientists to ensure new technology efforts align with Space Force goals.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Establishes and manages multiple contracts.
• Identifies, develops, and leads new partnerships with other AFRL offices and external government organizations.
• Applies tailored Systems Engineering processes to technology development.
• Drawing on SMEs to define technical content of the program (technical approaches, roadmaps, TPMs, test plans, design/test review activities and schedules).
• Continuously improves processes for technology development, testing, management, documentation, and reporting.
• Manage overall contracting, finance, and budget for laboratory projects. Establish annual and FYDP cost estimates and establish project budget allocation. Monitor and amend Interagency agreements as needed.
• Identify and manage programmatic, technical, and contracting risks and issues.
• Track obligations, expenditures, and budget execution through various accounting systems with and for multiple partner organizations.
• Leads advanced technology development for future and current mission needs, including concepting solutions for new capabilities.
  
  

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Must possess a professional bachelor’s degree in a computer science or engineering discipline from an accredited ABET academic institution.
• Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technology Management (N). The selectee will have 60 months to meet APDP requirements, or a waiver must be obtained. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
• Resume must explicitly describe work history and duties performed to determine position qualifications.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Experience interacting with program support areas and offices including Contracting, Finance, Legal, Logistics, and Security.
• Strong communications and negotiation skills.
• Familiar with special security practices and procedures.
• Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders, tracking taskers, developing and meeting timelines.
• Background in satellite systems engineering and technical reviews.
• Experience teaming with Dept of Air Force civilian and military personnel, other DoD services, support contractors, and industry Subject Matter Experts.
  
  

When uploading documents, please utilize the naming convention listed below. The Requisition Number for this announcement is

Resume: Req No 15804_Last Name_First Name_Resume

Transcript: Req No 15804_Last Name_First Name_Transcript

Requisition Number 15804

Series

08XX

13XX

1550