Program Manager

Deputy Program Manager, Vulcan Launch OperationsThe United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California is searching for a Deputy Program Manager, Vulcan Launch Operations. This job will provide you an opportunity to acquire a space launch capability from United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing Defense, Space, and Security. In this position you'll be responsible for acquiring from ULA a booster/first stage, a second stage, a payload fairing to encapsulate the satellite, mission unique hardware for integrating the Satellite with the launch vehicle and an engineering design as to how ULA will carry the satellite to space and how it will deploy the space vehicle to achieve the desired orbit. Launches will be conducted out of either Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL or Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. You may also be involved with swapping missions (after their initial assignment) between ULA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin. You'll also become a Contracting Officer Representative (COR), receiving, disseminating, and reviewing inputs on Contract Data Receivable Lists (CDRLs) and then issuing a Contract Document Action to ULA when the Government accepts the CDRL input(s). You will also work regularly with a Procurement Contracting Officer, their buyer(s), Financial Managers, and Engineers as well as be expected to travel to the Cape, Vandenberg, Denver, CO (ULA's Headquarters) and Decatur, AL (ULA's manufacturing facility). Space is a vital National asset and in this position, you will be at the forefront of acquiring a $100M+ space launch capability for $.5B+ satellites, which will entail 10-12 launches per year.Ideal Candidate: Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of Government and industry team members with responsibility to acquire a Space Force launch service of national significance. Leads their team through launch vehicle acquisition, integration of a satellite unto its launch booster and second stage, and execution of realistic plans and risks mitigations as necessary. Clearly communicates status of launch mission acquisition and execution to Program Manager. Elevates issues as necessary for rapid closure of Cost, Schedule, Performance, and Risk challenges confronting the launch vehicle provider.Key Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of the policies, practices, regulations, and laws concerning the acquisition management process and initiatives.Knowledge of government and private industry policies and practices related to business management, industrial management, financial systems, technical concepts, and production practices. Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate a variety of program information, such as commercial business practices, market conditions, offer acceptability, contractor acceptability, contractor responsibility and/or performance to determine acquisition strategy and sources.Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of the Department of Defense, Air/Space Force, and entities that govern, interface with, and/or influence management control of proposed and ongoing service contracts.Knowledge of methods of supervision to hold others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of a unit and mentor, motivate, and appraise subordinate staff. Determine objectives, make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions, set priorities, cause change, and accomplish organizational goals.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, with technical accuracy and to use computers and a variety of software programs and databases, gather and analyze a variety of program information, make sound judgments concerning program progress, and effectively communicate recommendations orally and in writing to higher organizational management and contractors.Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with individuals and groups within the office as well as outside the immediate work unit and to be persuasive in representing the best interests of the government when dealing with personnel with highly divergent points of view.Ability to plan, organize, analyze problems, translate complex information, make appropriate judgments, evaluate options, conduct research, summarize results, make appropriate recommendations, and manage critical aspects of service contract requirements as related to the assigned functional area and meet deadlines. Ability to compose and edit contracts requires correspondence, review and analyze directives, develop and brief service contract program related presentations.