Contracting Program Manager

Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and coordinate all aspects of the SpaceWERX program portfolio, including schedule, budget, and scope.
• Lead Space Force contracting officers the award and administration of tactical funding increase contracts.
• Interface with a variety of incubators and accelerator organization to transition technology to the warfighter.
• Interface with government clients and stakeholders to define project requirements, expectations, and deliverables.
• Ensure the successful execution of innovative space missions and technologies by managing cross-functional teams.
• Oversee program/project reporting, including progress tracking, risk management, and performance assessments.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, including milestone tracking, and ensure timely delivery.
• Provide regular updates to government program office leadership on status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate meetings and presentations with stakeholders at various levels within government and private sector organizations in support of a strategy.
• Ensure compliance with all federal regulations and contracting processes, including adherence to security protocols and budget constraints.
• Oversee the internal transition planning efforts of a portfolio of innovative technologies and create and manage a governance structure for systematically updating and providing leadership with insights on portfolio return on investment.
• Facilitate collaboration between contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams, other government agencies to ensure alignment with SpaceWERX internal goals and objectives and program executive officers' programs.
• Provide leadership with well formulated courses of action by leveraging real time problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially in high-pressure or fast-paced environments.
• Serve as the Contracting subject matter expert for SpaceWERX innovation programs, supporting End-Users, Contracting Officers, and Portfolio Managers in navigating complex acquisition pathways (FAR and non-FAR).
• Lead the Board to Award process for each STRATFI/TACFI award cycle, including Contracting Kickoff meetings, award tracking, timeline enforcement, and barrier resolution.
• Develop and maintain the official Contracting Playbook, standardizing package development, templates, and best practices across all portfolios.
• Engage directly with Contracting shops, End-Users, and industry to streamline documentation and contracting workflows.
• Oversee compliance with SBIR/STTR requirements and provide guidance on transitioning from Phase II to Phase III.
• Coordinate with AFWERX Ventures and PEOs to ensure alignment with acquisition strategy and programmatic objectives.
• Mentor junior acquisition professionals and provide training on best practices in innovative contracting approaches.

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of experience in project management, preferably supporting government contracts or space-related programs.
• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects with government clients.
• Senior level engagement and briefing experience and providing guidance to senior officials on programs, policies, and strategies
• Experience sourcing and creating information channels and alliances across multi force structure to support organizational strategies and plans
• Experience in space technologies, satellite programs, or defense-related projects is highly desirable.
• Government staff officer experience is a plus
• Experience working within SpaceWERX/AFWERX or similar innovation initiatives is a plus

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in cradle-to-grave DoD/DAF contracting, including SBIR/STTR contracts, rapid acquisition authorities, and non-traditional award types.
• Experience in project management, preferably supporting government contracts or space-related programs.
• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects with government clients.
• Senior level engagement and briefing experience and providing guidance to senior officials on programs, policies, and strategies.
• Experience sourcing and creating information channels and alliances across multi force structure to support organizational strategies and plans.
• Experience in space technologies, satellite programs, or defense-related projects is highly desirable.
• Government staff officer experience is a plus.
• Experience working within SpaceWERX/AFWERX or similar innovation initiatives is a plus.
• Direct experience supporting senior stakeholders and navigating high-stakes procurement in the space or defense tech sector.
• Proven leadership in guiding multi-agency acquisition teams through high-value contract awards.
• Direct experience supporting senior stakeholders and navigating high-stakes procurement in the space or defense tech sector.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of federal government contracting, compliance, and acquisition processes and the planning, programming, budget and execution process to include requirements generation. o Understanding of OSD prototyping and experimentation guides.
• Ability to collect and analyze large amounts of innovation information from large numbers of diverse programs and synthesize current status, trends and effective courses of action are preferred.
• Contracting and project management certifications (e.g., DAU, PMP, Agile, or similar) are preferred.
• Proficient with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, or similar).
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities

Education:

• Master's degree; Business, Project Management; Engineering, or other military studies related field

Clearance Requirements:

• SECRET Clearance is required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Notes:

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Primarily remote (offsite) w/potential for required travel
• Travel (up to 20%) may be required to government and industry locations.

The pay range for this position in California is $130,000/year to $170,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract rates, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.

The pay range for this position in Colorado is $130K/year to $170K/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.

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