Sr Director Programs (Clearance Required)

Company: Sierra Space
Location: Louisville
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team. About the Role Job Description Summary As Director Programs you will be driving our strategic business operations for all programmatic aspects of your assigned projects with specific focused responsibility for customer relationship, cost, schedule and technical planning, tracking and reporting, technical execution and ensuring overall program performance objectives are achieved. You will provide leadership, guidance, and oversight in all phases of business resource planning/tracking in coordination with other corporate entities, and build and lead an exceptional team to innovate, invent, implement, and deploy complex solutions in a mission-critical environment. You'll oversee process and procedure for assessing and mitigating program risk and ensure program issues and problems are identified, tracked and resolved. You'll be responsible for project/program status updates, proposal review and approval, and negotiations with project/program stakeholders to ensure enterprise initiatives meet cost, budget, and schedule constraints. About You Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey. We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement. About You Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, Finance or a related field Relevant experience may substitute for required education Thorough knowledge and understanding of program management, science, aerospace and/or engineering programs Prior experience leading a team of Program Managers and the programs they are managing; ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee career development, succession planning, performance management, coaching, mentoring, as well as holding people accountable Experience directing the preparation of proposals, business plans, specifications, and approves basis of estimates and rough order of magnitudes for potential pursuits and ensuring all resources such as engineering, manpower, production and facilities are available to support the program Demonstrated working knowledge of managing the cost, schedule and technical performance requirements of multiple programs through all phases from inception to completion Proven track-record developing, communicating and executing to meet financial forecasts Extensive experience with the development of tactical and strategic business growth strategy Responsible for high-level relationship management internally (executive leadership, peers, support functions, and subordinates) and external customers; Interact internally with leaders and customers on business matters and partners with functional leadership towards success and continuous improvement Responsible for customer satisfaction, maintaining customer communication, and the overall management of the customer relationship to determine needs, requirements and new business opportunities Ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo and demonstrate ability to adapt to dynamic situations Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines Familiarity with managing projects requiring Earned Value Management Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms; ability to tailor conversations to adapt to technical vs. non-technical audiences Proven ability to solve highly complex problems with significant business impact An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required Preferred Qualifications: Typically, 10-12 years of relevant experience; 7 years demonstrated program management experience Previous ownership of P&L responsibilities Previous management experience that includes understanding in Financial Management, Business Operations, Strategic Planning, Contracts, Risk Management, and Proposal Development Ability to motivate others with a shared sense of vision or purpose. Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies Possess a strategic mindset, linking technology and business Understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance Working knowledge of Program Management Institute Program Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and/or Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification Prior experience managing projects using Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), agile and or spiral development models Ability to lead Program Management process and tool improvement for the Business Unit Ability to establish centralized, coordinating body for program concerns, recommendations, and issues; developing recommended process improvements; facilitating opportunities with corporate Ability to establish new and further refining existing templates, tools, and guidelines for program documentation and execution Experience with ensuring compliance with ISO 9001:2000 Policies and Processes Compensation : Pay Range: $222,374.00 - $305,783.00 Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness. IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility and current CI polygraph U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Elevate Your Career At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more. Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration. Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified. Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us .

Keywords: Sierra Space, Vail , Sr Director Programs (Clearance Required), Engineering , Louisville, Colorado