Support Program Project Manager

The Sierra Lobo Rocket Technology and Engineering Services II (RTES II) contract provides advise and assist services (A&AS) at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards AFB, California. AFRL conducts rocket propulsion research, as well as developing associated test processes and facilities.

The Liquid Rocket Research Engineer will provide expert technical advisory support for a variety of rocket propulsion development projects. Join an established team of engineers and program managers in the Space Access Branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rocket Propulsion Division (AFRL/RQR) performing research, and development on various engine and launch vehicle technologies to enhance the nation’s Space Access capability.

Sierra Lobo, offers customers a full range of professional and technical capabilities, including Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and Advanced Technologies.  We also develop products and processes related to Cryogenic Fluid and Thermal Management Systems, Densified Propellant Management Systems, and Prototype Extreme Pressure and Temperature Systems.  Our customers include the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

This position will be located at Edwards AFB, CA.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The Project Manager (Programmatic Support) will work in an advisory and assistance capacity alongside government Program Managers, military leadership, technical experts, and execution contractors to ensure the successful planning, execution, and oversight of various program elements within the Missile Support Program at the AFRL Rocket and Space Propulsion Division (AFRL/RJP). Our mission is to provide critical research and test support to ensure the safe, secure, and reliable sustainment and modernization of our nation's strategic deterrent systems.

Because this is a contractor support position, the individual will operate in a non-decision-making, advisory role to facilitate robust program management without exercising inherently governmental authority.

The successful candidate will function as a comprehensive project manager for their assigned portfolio—focusing on baseline performance monitoring, schedule integration, risk assessment, and strategic reporting. This role provides government PMs with independent, objective visibility into execution contractor performance and delivers actionable recommendations to the government officials who retain sole authority to direct program execution.

This position requires an individual who can operate diplomatically and effectively within a multi-contractor, integrated program office environment.

• →Programmatic Performance Monitoring: Act as the primary programmatic point of contact for assigned projects, monitoring execution contractor performance, progress, and deliverables to ensure alignment with Missile Support Program goals.
• →Integrated Baseline & Schedule Tracking: Manage and analyze critical program baselines, including Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), cost performance indices, and milestone completion status. Identify critical path variances and predict schedule slips.
• →Strategic Advisory & Decision Support: Provide independent programmatic assessments, trend analyses, and strategic recovery recommendations directly to government Program Managers to support informed executive decision-making.
• →Proactive Risk & Issue Management: Facilitate the identification, assessment, and tracking of program risks, issues, and opportunities. Assist the government program office in formulating and monitoring risk mitigation plans.
• →Stakeholder Integration & Facilitation: Coordinate and facilitate high-level technical reviews, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), and cross-functional working groups. Ensure action items are captured, assigned, and tracked to closure across diverse stakeholder organizations.
• →Executive Communication & Reporting: Synthesize complex technical and programmatic contractor data into concise, executive-level briefings, status dashboards, and statutory reports for government leadership.
• →Process Governance Support: Assist government PMs in ensuring all execution activities comply with program office guidelines, Department of War acquisition frameworks (e.g., DoDI 5000 series), and safety/security protocols.

• Education & Experience: Candidates must have earned a Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline, with 5 or more years of experience in project management, programmatic support, or defense acquisition management.
• Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is highly desirable.
• Citizenship: The candidate must be a US citizen.
• Security Clearance: Must possess or be able to obtain an active US DoW Secret security clearance.

• Diplomacy & Professional Influence: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the capability to lead, coordinate, and build consensus across multi-contractor and government teams without possessing direct contractual authority over execution personnel.
• Advanced Programmatic Analysis: Proven capability to analyze complex schedules (e.g., MS Project Gantt charts, critical path, milestones) and financial execution data to identify program variances early.
• High-Context Adaptability: The flexibility and poise to thrive in a high-visibility, fast-paced, and highly regulated defense acquisition environment.
• Executive Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of translating dense technical data into clear, strategic advice and briefings for military and civilian leadership.
• Management Tools: High proficiency in standard Project Management software (MS Project, Jira, or equivalent tools) and the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• DoW Acquisition Frameworks: Strong familiarity with Department of War (DoW) acquisition processes, lifecycle management, or aerospace/missile systems.