Job Details

Program Manager

Position Number: 9722776
Location: Boulder, United States
Position Type: Other Administrative Positions

Program Manager

Requisition Number: 73696
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 29-Jul-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Program Manager III will be responsible for leading and executing complex aerospace contracts, providing program leadership, direction, and guidance to ensure successful execution within budget, schedule, and technical specifications. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in the aerospace industry and possess strong leadership and management skills in space flight hardware development. They will also be responsible for managing budgets, implementing risk management processes, and serving as the primary interface with program customers.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Lead the implementation and execution of complex aerospace contracts.
Provide overall program leadership, direction, and guidance that ensures. successful program execution in accordance with budget, schedule, contract, resourcing planning, and technical specifications.
Develop and maintain metrics and data reports to monitor program process and performance.
Address program challenges and develop plans to resolve issues, as required.
Serve as the primary interface with the program customer and main LASP representative on all program matters.
Ensure compliance with policies and procedures, assess risks and develop mitigation plans.
Manage budgets and implementation of capital equipment and facility projects.
Implement risk and opportunity management processes to mitigate or capture potential program issues and improvements.
Utilize Earned Value (EV) and Earned Value Management (EVM) processes and practices including variance reporting.
Lead change proposal efforts for the program, including pre-coordination with the customer.
Mentor and lead junior program staff.
Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

This position may travel occasionally as needed.
Must be on-site at least 3 days per week.
Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.

What We Can Offer

$182,820 - $202,064 per year

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree in a related field of engineering, business, or science.
At least 10 years of relevant experience in the aerospace industry and at least 5 years in a technical or programmatic leadership role.
Master's degree or Ph.D., may substitute for part of relevant experience level.
Strong leadership and management experience in space flight hardware development.
Subcontract management and supplier oversight experience.
Ability to travel and commute between LASP facilities as required.

What You Will Need

Ability to function well in a team-based environment.
Attention to detail.
Excellent communication and written skills.
Ability to take personal responsibility for projects and work independently.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

Resume or CV.
Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 7/29/26 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Program-Manager/73696