Program Director

Auria is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead a complex U.S. Space Force ground architecture framework & integration effort. This individual will be responsible for the successful execution and continued evolution of an enterprise ground integration framework that brings together Government, commercial, and satellite operations services, Ground Entry Points (GEPs), space vehicle providers, mission applications, infrastructure, and other ground capabilities into a cohesive and interoperable enterprise. The Program Director will serve as a primary interface with the Government and provide overall leadership across program execution, technical integration, cost, schedule, staffing, risk, subcontractor/partner performance, and customer engagement. The successful candidate must understand how modern cloud-based systems are designed, deployed, secured, integrated, and operated, as well as how satellite ground systems support mission planning, command and control, telemetry, tracking, communications, and space vehicle operations. The Program Director will work closely with the program's Chief Engineer or principal software architect to achieve this; however, the individual must possess sufficient technical depth and systems-level understanding to lead a highly technical integration program, challenge assumptions, understand architectural and interface dependencies, evaluate technical and programmatic tradeoffs, and translate Government mission objectives into executable plans. This is a contingent position out of Washington, DC / Northern Virginia; remote considered for highly qualified candidates.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO:

Essential Functions / Responsibilities Serve as a primary Government interface and accountable program leader, establishing trusted relationships with customer leadership, mission stakeholders, technical organizations, industry partners, and vendors. Lead end-to-end program execution, maintaining accountability for scope, technical performance, cost, schedule, staffing, quality, contractual commitments, and mission outcomes. Establish and maintain an integrated program baseline, including the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), milestones, dependencies, deliverables, staffing/resource plans, and cost forecasts, ensuring traceability from contractual requirements through technical execution and delivery. Integrate program management and systems engineering activities so that requirements, architecture, technical dependencies, schedule, cost, risk, and verification activities remain synchronized throughout execution. Lead execution of a complex system-of-systems integration environment involving Government and commercial satellite operations services, GEPs, space vehicle vendors, mission applications, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity capabilities, networks, and other third-party systems. Possess sufficient technical understanding of satellite ground systems and mission operations to evaluate how mission planning, scheduling, command and control, telemetry, communications, network services, ground infrastructure, and space vehicle interfaces collectively support end-to-end mission threads. Understand modern cloud-native architectures and deployment models, including cloud infrastructure, containerized applications and microservices, APIs, CI/CD and DevSecOps pipelines, data services, identity/access management, observability, resiliency, and deployment across multiple security environments. Work closely with the Chief Engineer, systems engineering, software, cloud/platform, cybersecurity, integration/test, and operations leads to ensure technical decisions are translated into executable plans, schedules, resource requirements, risks, and customer decisions. Drive an open, modular integration strategy based on MOSA principles, open standards, reusable interfaces, and API-driven integration to reduce vendor lock-in and enable rapid onboarding, replacement, and evolution of third-party capabilities. Establish disciplined processes for third-party integration and onboarding, including interface definition, dependency management, integration readiness, verification, configuration management, and identification of technical or contractual blockers. Lead risk and opportunity management, identifying technical, programmatic, contractual, staffing, integration, cybersecurity, and schedule risks early; establish mitigation plans and elevate issues requiring Government or corporate decisions before they impact mission delivery. Maintain strong cost and schedule discipline, using credible program data and leading indicators to identify trends, forecast outcomes, assess impacts of proposed changes, and provide management and the Government with actionable recommendations rather than status reporting alone. Manage contractual scope and change, ensuring new requirements, Government direction, technical changes, and evolving mission needs are evaluated for cost, schedule, staffing, technical, and contractual impacts before incorporation into the program baseline. Oversee subcontractor, vendor, and partner execution, ensuring externally provided products and services meet required technical, interface, schedule, cybersecurity, and performance commitments and integrate successfully into the broader enterprise. Partner with the Government to develop and maintain a technical and programmatic roadmap for future ground evolution, anticipating growth in spacecraft, vendors, users, mission services, infrastructure, operational tempo, and interoperability requirements.

WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES:

Current U.S. Government Secret clearance and ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI eligibility; U.S. Citizenship required. Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible program or technical leadership experience supporting complex software, information technology, space ground, C2, or system-of-systems integration programs. Demonstrated experience leading complex Government programs involving multiple technical organizations, vendors, subcontractors, or externally developed systems. Demonstrated experience managing scope, WBS, IMS, cost, schedule, staffing, risk, change, deliverables, and contractual performance. Working technical understanding of cloud-based software systems, including how applications are developed, integrated, deployed, secured, tested, accredited, operated, and sustained in Government environments. Understanding of systems integration and open architecture principles, including APIs/interfaces, data exchange, modularity, interoperability, integration testing, and management of dependencies among independently developed systems. Ability to understand complex technical issues and engage credibly with engineers, architects, operators, and Government technical leadership while translating those issues into programmatic implications and executive-level recommendations. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, rapidly reprioritize resources, and maintain execution discipline in a dynamic mission environment. Strong customer engagement, written communication, briefing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, including experience presenting complex issues and recommendations to senior Government and corporate leadership. Demonstrated ability to take ownership of ambiguous or evolving problems, establish structure and accountability, and drive issues through resolution

WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS:

10+ years of experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Air Force, SDA, or other DoD space programs, with direct experience in satellite ground systems strongly preferred. Experience with satellite operations, ground systems, mission management, command and control, ground networks, GEPs/ground stations, or spacecraft-to-ground interfaces. Experience supporting large-scale integration of Government and commercial systems or services within a system-of-systems architecture. Experience with cloud-native DoD environments, DevSecOps/software factories, containerized applications, CI/CD, Zero Trust, RMF/ATO processes, and multi-level security environments. Experience implementing or managing architectures based on MOSA, open standards, open APIs, and vendor-agnostic integration principles. Experience managing programs in which significant portions of the technical solution are provided by subcontractors, commercial vendors, or other Government contractors, requiring strong interface and dependency management rather than vertically integrated development. Experience developing technology and capability roadmaps that balance current program execution with future architecture evolution, scalability, interoperability, and mission growth. Experience supporting capture, proposal development, technical solution shaping, BOE development, transition planning, and follow-on growth for major DoD pursuits. Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or another relevant technical discipline preferred; advanced degree a plus. PMP or equivalent program management certification highly desired. Demonstrated leadership maturity, sound judgment, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to build trusted relationships across Government, industry partners, technical teams, and corporate leadership.

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

$180,000 - $230,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Oct 24, 2026

THE AURIA TEAM:

Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers' missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R&D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision. Why You’ll Love Working at Auria We believe our team does their best work when they are well-supported, financially secure, and have the freedom to balance life outside of the office. Time for What Matters Generous & Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you're with us. True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8-to-5. 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose. Invested in Your Future 401(k) Match-Yours to Keep Instantly: We match up to 4% of your contributions. Both your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait-period. Industry-Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. We don't just hire talent; we grow it. Health & Peace of Mind Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High-quality medical plans paired with a Company-Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future. Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you. Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more. ...and that's just the beginning! Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr RKF Engineering Solutions, LLC (DBA Auria)