Program Manager Senior-Security Clearance of TS/SCI or above required

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.

Senior Program Manager

Position Overview

Tired of the red tape and slow pace of traditional defense contracting? We are building the future of space, delivering game-changing satellites to U.S. government customers at commercial speed. As a Program Manager, you will take full ownership of our most critical satellite missions, leading a lean, agile team from initial concept through on-orbit operations. You will be a hybrid technologist, entrepreneur, and problem-solver, coordinate teams to make rapid decisions that drive mission success. You will lead the customer through the Program life-cycle in the York-based management style.

Key Responsibilities

Full Life-Cycle program ownership and execution:

• Accelerated delivery: Lead the entire program lifecycle from proposal and contract negotiation through design, build, test, and on-orbit operations. Your focus is on fast, efficient delivery that blows past traditional aerospace timelines.
• Customer intimacy and advocacy: Serve as the primary, high-touch liaison for government customers. Translate mission needs into clear, actionable technical roadmaps and prioritize program objectives based on delivering mission based off our contractual obligations.
• Coordinated decision-making: Act as the ultimate decision-maker for your program's direction, balancing scope, schedule, and resources with a results-oriented mindset. You are expected to remove systemic impediments and make the tough calls to keep the program moving forward.
• Strategic alignment: Ensure your program's execution directly aligns with the company’s strategic goals. Proactively identify new business opportunities within your existing customer base and contribute to proposals for future satellite missions.
• Creative Problem Solving: Find creative and no/low-cost solutions to keep your program on track. Challenge lengthy or difficult engineering solutions for the team to drive towards effective and efficient changes.
  
  

Lean, Metrics-driven Management

• Agile mindset: Implement and evolve program management methodologies that scale with the program and adapt to changing customer and market needs. You will manage workflows, not just schedules, incorporating best practices across the board.
• Data-driven insights: Own and maintain the program's key performance metrics, tracking progress and health with real-time data rather than static spreadsheets. You will identify and proactively mitigate risks by analyzing trends and communicating insights across the team.
• Financial acumen: Manage program budgets with a focus on earning program milestones on-time. Always looking for ways to increase efficiency and maintain the program financial targets.
  
  

High-impact Team Leadership

• Lead without bureaucracy: Lead cross-functional integrated teams of elite engineers, designers, and operators. You will foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation by coordinating team members to make decisions and rapidly solve problems.
• Mentorship and culture building: Act as a mentor for deputy program managers, sharing institutional knowledge and shaping the company's "get it done" culture.
• Exceptional communication: Master the art of communicating complex technical and programmatic information to diverse internal and external stakeholders, from engineers to senior government leadership, across both unclassified/classified environments.
  
  

Required

• Experience: 5 years of demonstrable program management or technical leadership experience within a fast-paced, high-tech environment.
• Domain expertise: Strong technical fluency with the end-to-end satellite development lifecycle, from system design to on-orbit operations. Experience managing programs for DoD or other government agencies is essential.
• Dual-use experience: Demonstrated ability to manage programs with both commercial and government applications, maximizing efficiency and tech reuse across different programs.
• Security clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen and either hold or be able to obtain a U.S. government security clearance, often at the TS/SCI level.
• Driven for action: Proven track record of breaking down complex problems and driving teams to deliver solutions quickly and effectively.
  
  

Preferred

• Advanced degree: Master’s degree in a technical or management field.
• Operational experience: Prior hands-on experience in satellite or space system operations.
• Startup experience: Experience in a high-growth startup environment is highly valued.
• Agile expertise: Certification or extensive experience with modern Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, SAFe).
  
  

Benefits

In addition to compensation, York Space Systems is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with PTO and a 401K.

How To Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the “Apply” link at the top of the page. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed. 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.