Technical Program Manager, Space Systems
maxar · Westminster, CO ·
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Project management
- Experience
- 8+ years
- Salary
- USD 135,000 – 198,000 / year
Lead the development and deployment of a small-satellite constellation, coordinating engineering teams across the full spacecraft lifecycle from design through on-orbit operations.
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 building the next generation of space-based sensing capabilities through Pulse, our proliferated small satellite constellation. As a Technical Program Manager supporting Pulse, you will drive execution across the full spacecraft lifecycle—from concept development and design through integration, launch, commissioning, and on-orbit operations.
This is a highly technical leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-moving hardware development environments. You will partner closely with spacecraft engineering, payload, flight software, mission operations, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and executive leadership to ensure the constellation is delivered on schedule while maintaining technical excellence and mission success.
Success in this role requires strong engineering judgment, exceptional execution, and the ability to coordinate complex, multidisciplinary development efforts without creating unnecessary process. You will identify risks early, drive technical decisions to closure, remove obstacles, and ensure engineering teams remain focused on delivering mission-critical capabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
8+ years of experience leading complex aerospace, spacecraft, satellite, or other multidisciplinary hardware development programs.
Demonstrated experience managing technical programs spanning multiple engineering disciplines throughout the product lifecycle.
Experience supporting spacecraft development, integration and test, launch campaigns, or mission operations.
Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, system integration, verification, and qualification activities.
Proven ability to manage complex schedules, technical dependencies, risks, and execution across multiple engineering organizations.
Experience balancing technical trade studies, schedule, cost, and programmatic priorities.
Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, program leadership, customers, and executive stakeholders.
Demonstrated ownership mentality with the ability to independently drive programs to successful completion.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing or operating LEO small satellite or proliferated constellation programs.
Direct experience with spacecraft bus development, payload integration, or constellation deployment.
Experience supporting launch integration, commissioning, and early orbit operations.
Familiarity with spacecraft development standards, mission assurance, and flight qualification processes.
Experience working with commercial launch providers and external mission partners.
Background coordinating cross-functional engineering organizations in fast-paced product development environments.
Experience with Agile program execution, integrated master schedules, Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, or equivalent planning tools.
Ability to translate complex technical challenges into actionable execution plans.
Experience supporting customer demonstrations, operational readiness reviews, and mission milestones.
Advanced degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
What You'll Do
Lead execution of the Pulse spacecraft constellation development roadmap from concept through sustained on-orbit operations.
Coordinate activities across spacecraft, payload, avionics, software, GNC, electrical, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, mission operations, quality, and supply chain teams.
Develop and maintain integrated technical schedules, milestones, and program execution plans.
Drive cross-functional issue resolution while balancing technical performance, schedule, cost, and mission objectives.
Identify program risks early and lead mitigation planning before they impact execution.
Prepare technical and programmatic status for engineering leadership and executive reviews.
Support design reviews, integration milestones, launch readiness, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
Work closely with engineering leadership to prioritize development activities and remove execution bottlenecks.
Ensure critical interfaces between spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and operations remain synchronized throughout development.
Foster a culture of accountability, technical rigor, ownership, and rapid execution across the program.
What Makes You Successful
You communicate clearly and bring alignment across highly technical teams.
You move quickly while maintaining sound engineering judgment.
You proactively identify problems and resolve them before they become program issues.
You earn credibility through technical understanding and consistent execution.
You thrive in an environment with significant ownership, autonomy, and high expectations.
You collaborate effectively across disciplines and help teams succeed together.
You are comfortable making informed decisions with incomplete information and continuously improving execution as new data becomes available.
At SpaceWrx, Technical Program Managers are technical leaders who enable engineering teams to build and deliver exceptional space systems. You will play a critical role in bringing the Pulse constellation from development to orbit while helping shape the future of commercial space capabilities supporting national security and global awareness.
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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.