Program Manager, SSC/AAMX
Department: Department of the Air Force
Location(s): Albuquerque, New Mexico
Salary Range: $107592 - $139871 Per Year
Job Summary: Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.
Major Duties:
- The United States Space Force (USSF) at Kirtland AFB, NM is searching for a Program Manager to support SSC/AAMX (GS-1101-13). Description: Ready to Launch Your Career into Orbit? Join the United States Space Force's premier rapid-response launch team as a Program Manager, where your work directly supports the Nation's most critical defense missions. This is your chance to lead high-stakes launch acquisition and operations across a constellation of national priorities-including missions for the USSF, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Army, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), and the Missile Defense Agency. Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It: - Lead integrated action teams to shape launch strategies and ensure mission readiness - Conduct deep acquisition & technical evaluations and mission assurance reviews of launch systems - Deliver high-impact briefings to senior military and civilian leadership - Pilot launch teams through the full mission lifecycle-from concept to countdown Ideal Candidate: Background: This position plays a vital role in supporting the United States Space Force (USSF) and the Department of War (DoW) by focusing on the sustainability and enhancement of global space launch systems. The primary responsibility of the position is to serve as the focal point for acquisition of logistics, maintenance, supply, engineering, mission assurance and launch services, ensuring the launch mission readiness and success. Education: Candidates are required to possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Engineering, Business Administration, Management, or related program management-discipline experience. A master's degree is preferred and will enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role. Training: Successful applicants will have completed relevant acquisition management training, including courses offered by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and are preferred to meet and/or be able to meet Acquisition Professional Development Program Management Level 2 requirements. Additionally, training in personnel management and leadership development will be beneficial. Experience: Applicants should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management or related fields, ideally within the DoD or a similar environment. Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex programs characterized by significant uncertainties and risks is essential. Applicants must demonstrate a history of developing and implementing acquisition policies, procedures, strategic plans and source selection experience that enhance mission execution effectiveness. Experience leading/supporting integrated product teams; experience with rocket motor launch operations/missions, experience with implementing requirements and monitoring performance; developing cost estimates; planning/conflict resolution between many organizations; and communicating project status (written/brief) with Space Systems Command (SSC) leadership up to the General Officer Commander, PEO, Division Chief and Branch Chief levels; customer mission managers, and contractors (mission assurance/technical/mission support/launch service contractors). Establishes management controls such as milestones, expenditure rates, management indicators, and management reviews to reflect program status and provide early detection of emerging problems. Reviews documents to assess impact on the mission preparation and execution. Organizes teamwork efforts and leads a team of specialists in resolving technical, schedule, cost, and supportability issues. Support/lead team(s) to develop, implement, and control financial and technical aspects of projects (launch operations, acquisition, mission preparation, etc.). Generate specific plans, goals, and objectives consistent with policies and requirements. Organize, direct, and coordinate activities of functional specialists (engineering, contracting, program control, finance, logistics and mission assurance). Review progress of contractors in meeting objectives. Keep Leadership and team informed of project status and resolution actions. Skills: This position requires direct communications with individual members, teams and leadership. Applicants must possess exceptional leadership and team-leader supervision skills, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration. Proficiency in budget management and contract negotiation will further enhance a candidate's suitability for this critical role. This Program Manager position offers an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled professional to lead essential initiatives and contribute significantly to the mission of the United States Space Force.
Qualifications: The 1101 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management Positions.
How to Apply: Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Application Deadline: 2026-03-11