Deputy Project Manager

Deputy Project Manager

The National Solar Observatory (NSO), operated by AURA, is undertaking the ngGONG (next generation ground-based solar observing network) Design Project. This is a multi-year, NSF-funded effort to develop the preliminary design for a next-generation, multi-site global network of solar observatories and establish the foundation for future final design and construction. The full program, from initial conceptual design through final design and construction, is expected to span roughly a decade; this position supports the current design phase, carrying the project through Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR). The project currently employs roughly twenty full-time scientists, engineers, and administrative staff.

The Deputy Project Manager (DPM) supports the Project Manager (PM) in the leadership and execution of the ngGONG Design Project. As a member of the project leadership team, the DPM provides day-to-day operational leadership for the Boulder-based project office, helping maintain momentum, resolve issues, and ensure effective collaboration across science, engineering, systems engineering, and project management. The PM divides time between Tucson, AZ and Boulder (approximately one week per month on-site); the DPM's full-time presence in Boulder provides management and leadership continuity between visits.

Serving as the PM's primary on-site representative, the DPM provides leadership for the project office and helps translate project strategy into execution. Working closely with the Project Manager, the DPM will progressively assume greater responsibility and decision-making authority as the project and the DPM's experience advances.

Essential Functions

Project Leadership

• Serve as the Project Manager's primary on-site representative in Boulder.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Boulder project office.
• Build a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
• Bring functional leaders together to establish priorities, resolve issues, and maintain project momentum.
• Represent the Project Manager at meetings and project activities, as delegated.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of project staff.
• Collaborate with NSO-wide support services (Administration, Business Administration, Information Technology) and AURA support services (Human Resources, Central Administration Services) for smooth project operation.

Project Planning and Execution

• Coordinate execution of the integrated project plan.
• Monitor progress against scope, schedule, and milestones.
• Manage cross-functional dependencies and competing priorities.
• Serve as a primary driver of design-review readiness, with particular accountability for the project's progress toward CoDR and PDR.
• Support planning for major reviews, milestones, and deliverables, including documentation of operational and technical requirements and interfaces.
• Identify emerging risks, issues, and resource constraints, and drive timely resolution.
• Support planning and eventual execution of future project work, including Final Design Phase (FDP) and Implementation & Construction activities.

Project Management and Controls

• Support project planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource management.
• Assist with Control Account Management (CAM) meetings and monitor project performance.
• Coordinate and assist project reporting, including monthly Project Status Reports (PSRs) to the NSF.
• Maintain visibility of project risks, issues, assumptions, decisions, and action items.
• Promote continuous improvement of project management processes, tools, and practices.
• Support quality management across project deliverables and management processes.

External Engagement

• Interact and support project leadership's (PM, Project Director, Principal Investigator) communications with the NSF, NSO, AURA, partner institutions, and the solar science community.
• Represent the project at workshops, reviews, conferences, and planning meetings, as appropriate.
• Coordinate preparation for external reviews and oversight activities.
• Help maintain strong relationships with strategic ngGONG stakeholders and partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, astronomy, physics, or related areas, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience on complex, multidisciplinary science or engineering projects.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional technical teams.
• Experience with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large scientific facilities, observatories, or research infrastructure.
• Experience with NSF-funded or other federally funded research programs.
• Experience working in multi-institutional collaborations.
• Familiarity with systems engineering practices and technical design reviews.
• Experience with Earned Value Management or Control Account Management.
• Advanced degree in engineering, astronomy, physics, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent training.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with extended computer use
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.)
• Periodic work at high-elevation observatory sites (~10,000 ft)
• Frequent communication and collaboration with team members
• Ability to work at 10,000' elevation, sometimes during inclement weather, is required.
• Occasional domestic and international travel will be necessary.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Range: $155,000-$187,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.

Apply by September 18, 2026 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.