Technical Program Manager, Ground Systems
maxar · Westminster, CO ·
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Project management
- Experience
- 12+ years
- Salary
- USD 135,000 – 198,000 / year
maxar · Westminster, CO ·
NALEJ Corporation · Arlington, Virginia, United States
U.S. Bank · Atlanta, GA
Lead the build-out of next-gen satellite ground systems for Earth-observation constellations, coordinating engineering, ops, and cyber teams to deliver scalable, automated mission infrastructure.
Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.
To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee.

Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Please review the job details below.
SpaceWrx is seeking a Technical Program Manager, Ground Systems to lead execution of the Vantor Enhanced Ground Architecture (VEGA) program. This role is responsible for driving implementation of the company's next-generation ground architecture that enables scalable operations for the Vantage and Pulse satellite constellations while delivering automation, operational efficiencies, and long-term architectural objectives.
Reporting to the Director of Portfolio & Program Management, this individual will operate at the intersection of engineering, operations, software, infrastructure, cybersecurity, mission operations, and executive leadership to ensure VEGA is delivered on schedule, within scope, and aligned with company strategy.
This is a highly technical program leadership role for an experienced systems thinker who can translate strategic objectives into executable plans, coordinate cross-functional engineering teams, identify and resolve technical and programmatic risks, and drive complex ground system deployments from concept through operational readiness. Success requires technical credibility, exceptional execution, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to maintain momentum across multiple organizations.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Typically 12+ years of experience leading complex technical programs within aerospace, space systems, defense, robotics, telecommunications, or other highly integrated engineering environments.
Demonstrated experience managing large cross-functional engineering programs involving software, infrastructure, hardware, and operational stakeholders.
Experience delivering ground systems, mission operations systems, satellite operations infrastructure, cloud-based operational platforms, or similarly complex distributed systems.
Proven ability to develop integrated program plans, establish technical milestones, manage dependencies, and drive execution across multiple engineering organizations.
Experience identifying, communicating, and mitigating technical, schedule, cost, and integration risks.
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, system integration, verification, validation, and operational readiness.
Experience coordinating architecture implementation across multiple technical disciplines while maintaining alignment with strategic objectives.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technical leadership, executives, customers, and external partners.
Experience leading technical reviews, program status reviews, and executive-level decision forums.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a rapidly evolving environment.
Demonstrated ownership mentality with a history of delivering complex programs through ambiguity and changing priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Experience with satellite ground segment architecture, mission planning, telemetry and command systems, flight operations, network operations, or ground data systems.
Experience implementing automated operational workflows and modern DevSecOps or Site Reliability Engineering practices for mission-critical systems.
Familiarity with cloud-native architectures, Kubernetes, containerized applications, infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and enterprise integration technologies.
Experience coordinating programs involving distributed software teams, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and mission operations organizations.
Working knowledge of Agile program execution methodologies and technical product delivery frameworks.
Experience supporting commercial space, Earth observation, national security space, or defense programs.
Demonstrated success leading enterprise-scale modernization initiatives involving operational transformation and automation.
Ability to evaluate technical trade studies and facilitate architecture decisions while balancing technical performance, schedule, cost, and operational risk.
Experience working with government customers or highly regulated operational environments.
PMP, PgMP, Agile, SAFe, or equivalent program management certifications are beneficial but not required.
Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one is desirable.
What You'll Own
Lead execution of the VEGA implementation roadmap across engineering, mission operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development teams.
Coordinate delivery of the target ground architecture supporting the Vantage and Pulse constellations.
Drive cross-functional planning, execution, dependency management, and milestone tracking across multiple technical organizations.
Partner with engineering leadership to ensure architectural decisions align with operational objectives, scalability requirements, and long-term platform strategy.
Establish program governance, technical reviews, decision frameworks, and executive reporting.
Identify program risks early and drive timely resolution through collaboration and data-driven decision making.
Ensure successful integration of automation capabilities that improve operational efficiency, reliability, scalability, and mission responsiveness.
Coordinate readiness activities supporting deployment, integration, verification, validation, and operational transition.
Foster collaboration across engineering disciplines while maintaining accountability, urgency, and execution excellence.
Continuously improve program execution processes to enable rapid, predictable delivery without unnecessary bureaucracy.
What Makes Someone Successful
Successful candidates combine deep technical curiosity with exceptional program execution. They are comfortable discussing architecture with engineers, aligning priorities across organizations, and making informed decisions in complex technical environments. They create clarity amid ambiguity, proactively remove obstacles, and maintain focus on delivering mission-critical capabilities. They lead through influence, ownership, technical credibility, and disciplined execution rather than formal authority.
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Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate’s experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.
● The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $135,000.00 - $180,000.00 - $198,000.00 annually.For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.
Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at:
Additionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.
The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.
To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.
EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.