Program Manager

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:

Benchmark Space Systems, a leader in small satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services, is looking for an experienced Program Manager to join our team. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, at least 5 years of professional experience, and at least 3 years of program or project management experience with technical products.

This position will work closely with engineering, business development, and senior leadership from across the organization to design, build, and deliver new and existing propulsion systems and mobility services.

This role is on-site in our Burlington, Vermont location.

About Benchmark:

Benchmark designs and produces propulsion systems that maneuver small satellites between low earth orbit and the moon. These systems utilize non-toxic propellants to provide thrust to transfer to a specific orbit, maintain position, avoid collisions, and a range of other applications. These capabilities enable activities such as on-orbit refueling, in-space manufacturing, re-entry, and more. True to its Vermont roots and values, Benchmark’s mission is to keep space accessible and sustainable for generations to come, and to enrich Vermont’s growing tech sector.

Benchmark has built a world-class team of engineers and business development professionals with offices on the shores of Lake Champlain, in Silicon Valley, and the United Kingdom.

Measurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:

At its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:

• Develop and manage program schedules, staffing plans, risk analyses, and budgets.
• Ensure effective coordination of program activities and communications across geographically distributed cross-functional and multi-company teams.
• Act as the main point of contact between Benchmark and customers for program execution.
• Actively manage program risk, issue mitigation, escalation, and resolution.
• Regularly communicate program status with Benchmark leadership and customer teams.
• Develop proposals and scopes of work based on customer requirements.
• Support costing exercises and future business capture activities.
• Support with the continuous improvement of program and project management processes, practices, and tools.
• At all times, maintain Benchmark’s outstanding reputation for operating at the highest levels of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Education and/or Experience:

• BS degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years professional experience in high-technology industry.
• 3+ years of professional program/project management experience working on technical products with geographically distributed cross-functional and multi-company teams.
• Proficiency with Wrike, MS Project, or similar planning tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work on ITAR (export-restricted) technologies (US Persons and previously authorized applicants only. BSS cannot sponsor a new ITAR authorization application)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Timely delivery of the programs/products assigned to them.
• The ability to effectively manage and communicate schedule, budget, and technical information to customers and Benchmark leadership.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time for customer activities, industry events, and visits to other Benchmark locations.

What makes you stand out:

• 5+ years professional experience in the aerospace industry.
• Graduate degree (MS in Engineering, MBA, or similar).
• High-level understanding of satellites, spacecraft operations, and propulsion systems.
• Experience working with government customers and prime contractors.

Benefits:

• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Vision and dental insurance.
• Company paid life, AD&D and disability insurances.
• Employee assistance program.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible schedule.
• Unlimited Vacation.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

While performing duties of this job, the employee is predominately functioning in a sedentary light office position with high frequency of telephone communication, keyboarding, and computer.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers at benchmark-space.com