We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple, R&D-type programs primarily in Directed Energy and NewSpace. The Senior Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with policies, contractual requirements, and organizational standards. This role requires strong leadership, and the candidate will be responsible for successful execution and programmatic tracking support.  Work with Program Technical Leads and Engineering Team to develop and manage program plans, resource allocation, schedule, budget, risk definition and tracking, and track execution against program plans and metrics. The Senior Program Manager must be an expert at working with MSOffice-based tools (Excel, MS Project, PowerPoint, Word) and ERP software to support budget management, bill of materials management, cost tracking and controls, and schedule management and controls. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background, Program Management experience, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Serve as the primary point of contact with customers and stakeholders
• Lead program planning, budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking
• Prepare and present program status reports, milestones, and reviews to Management and customers
• Help manage technical and support teams to complete tasks on schedule
• Develop necessary documentation to ensure efficient execution of multiple projects in parallel (schedules, task lists)
• Create and manage framework for technical and programmatic control documentation
• Provide regular written and verbal reports to peers and management
• Implement appropriate business and operations systems in support of program execution needs
• Work with Program Technical Leads, engineering teams, finance, and supply chain to document and report task progress, and set goals and objectives

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years working in a technical environment
• 5+ years of experience managing Government/Military, Directed Energy, Aerospace, or Space/NewSpace programs
• Demonstrated experience working with customers
• Proven ability to manage complex programs with cross-functional teams
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and performance metrics
• Experience with risk management and issue resolution
• Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, Jira, ClickUp, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure
• Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution
• Develop and maintain documentation in support of customer needs and design reviews (i.e. PDR, CDR, ICD, etc.)
• Strong technical presentation and writing skills 
• Ability to work with and learn new ERP and programmatic software programs

Desired Skills

• Bachelor's or Advanced degree in technical field (Engineering, or related)
• Experience with the design challenges of High Energy Laser systems and Space applications
• Proven record interfacing with Government, Space, and Aerospace customers 
• Growing knowledge of Directed Energy and NewSpace directives
• Consummate professional 

Benefits

• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
• 9 paid Holidays per year
• Health, Vision and Dental Care paid 100% by employer
• 401k with company matching
• Tuition Assistance for Continuing Education

About OEI

Optical Engines is an engineering firm specializing in photonic devices for the commercial, industrial, space, and defense sectors, located right in Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs, CO, just a few minutes from Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. In 2005, Optical Engines was founded with a vision to become the destination for ambitious engineers to see how far they could push fiber and photonic technologies. Since then, we have continued to grow and work tirelessly to demonstrate what we can do for our customers. We are a solution-focused company in an industry with no limit on the potential or impact. That provides us with the unique opportunity to both set the standards and then surpass them. Most of all, it allows us to connect with people who are as passionate as we are.