Opterus Research & Development is an innovative aerospace company based in Loveland, Colorado, specializing in deployable space structures and high-strain composite systems. We combine cutting-edge composite materials, origami-inspired architectures, and elegant engineering to deliver lightweight, high-performance structural systems for commercial, defense, and scientific missions.
The Engineering Program Manager will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of spacecraft hardware for a NASA flight program. You will be responsible for guiding program planning, schedules, budgets, technical maturity, risk management, and customer communication while also providing hands-on technical leadership at key decision points. Experience with space‑qualified hardware, flight programs with NASA or other government customers, and complex aerospace mechanisms or deployable systems is strongly preferred.
Program Leadership & Execution
- Lead end‑to‑end execution of a novel flight hardware program, including planning, schedule development, cost tracking, and risk management.
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Coordinate cross‑functional engineering teams (mechanical, structures, manufacturing, systems, test).
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Drive milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and ensure both technical and programmatic readiness.
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Serve as the primary point of contact with NASA and other stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely communication.
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Lead requirements definition and management activities: translate mission needs into traceable system and hardware requirements and oversee development of verification plans and artifacts.
Technical Ownership
- Guide system architecture decisions and technical strategy for the development of spaceflight hardware and deployable structures.
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Provide oversight for the design, analysis, prototyping, qualification, and acceptance of space‑qualified mechanisms and structural systems.
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Support system‑level assessments, performance evaluations, and integration with spacecraft bus components.
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Ensure alignment between engineering disciplines to meet structural, mechanical, environmental, and mission performance requirements.
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Review and approve engineering documentation, design analyses, test procedures, and test reports.
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Work with structures, mechanisms, and manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturability, repeatability, and robust production processes.
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Support integration and test activities for flight hardware, including functional testing, deployment testing, and environmental qualifications consistent with NASA requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Partner closely with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure smooth production and delivery
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Identify program inefficiencies and lead continuous improvement initiatives
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Mentor engineers and contribute to the development of internal standards and best practices
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Support sales activities including customer requirements discovery, concept and project planning, project estimating, and cost support
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Contribute to company outreach activities including marketing and lead generation
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
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5+ years of experience in spacecraft systems or hardware development
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Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary aerospace hardware programs
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Experience with space‑qualified hardware and environmental test campaigns
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Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate across technical and programmatic domains
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Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with high levels of ownership and accountability
- Experience supporting or leading NASA or DoD flight programs, or similar spaceflight mission development.
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Familiarity with deployable structures, mechanisms, composite structures, or precision aerospace hardware.
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Knowledge of spaceflight qualification processes (NASA, DoD, or commercial).
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PMP certification or formal project management training.
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Background in small‑company or rapid‑development engineering environments.
- Flexible and hybrid work schedules (two or more days in office per week)
- Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
- Opterus pays 100% of employees' premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums
- 401K matching up to 4%
- 9 paid holidays
Engineering Program Manager Level II: $110,000-$135,000/per year
Engineering Program Manager Level III: $130,000-$160,000/per year
