About Us:
We are a rapidly growing, US-based space startup revolutionizing satellite imaging using advanced in-orbit capabilities. Specifically, our expertise lies in leveraging in-space assets for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). As an international company, we navigate a unique landscape while delivering critical services to our clients. Having recently secured several significant contracts, we are expanding our team to meet the exciting demands of our growth.
To support this next phase, we’re building a high-performing, interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. We’re looking for talented, passionate people who value collaboration, growth, and learning to join us.
HEO is a post-Series A company backed by high-profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator, and In-Q-Tel. We are headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices in London, UK, and Washington, D.C., USA.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to oversee critical federal government contracts, with a primary focus on engagements within the US Intelligence Community. This pivotal role will be responsible for the successful execution of complex contracts from initiation to closeout, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction and project profitability. Beyond program leadership, the ideal candidate will be a proactive contributor to our startup's growth, leveraging their experience to identify new opportunities, support proposal development, and enhance our operational capabilities, particularly in the critical areas of Space Domain Awareness and Non-Earth Imaging.
Key Responsibilities:
- Program Leadership & Execution:
- Serve as the primary point of contact and overall lead for assigned federal government contracts, particularly those with the US Intelligence Community.
- Develop and execute comprehensive program plans, including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and resource allocation.
- Ensure all contractual obligations, performance metrics, and deliverables are met or exceeded.
- Drive agile program management methodologies where appropriate to ensure responsiveness and efficient delivery.
- Client Relationship Management:
- Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with government clients, stakeholders, and intelligence community partners.
- Proactively identify client needs and challenges, positioning our capabilities to provide effective solutions.
- Manage client expectations and communication, providing regular updates on program status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
- Team Leadership & Management:
- Lead and motivate cross-functional program teams (e.g., engineering, operations, finance, regulatory compliance).
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to team members.
- Effectively manage subcontractors and partners.
- Financial & Contract Management:
- Monitor program budgets, costs, and financial performance, ensuring profitability and efficient resource utilization.
- Manage contract modifications, change orders, and scope adjustments.
- Ensure strict adherence to all FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific contracting requirements.
- Risk Management:
- Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks (technical, schedule, budget, contractual, security).
- Develop and implement contingency plans to ensure program continuity.
- Security & Compliance:
- Ensure strict adherence to all security protocols, classification guidelines, and compliance requirements (e.g., ITAR, NOAA, DoD, IC security standards).
- Work closely with the Regulatory Compliance team to maintain a compliant operational environment.
Qualifications:
NOTE: If you don’t hit all the quals, read on to the next section. We value team fit over checking all the qual boxes.
- Experience: 5-10+ years of progressive experience in program management, with at least 2 years directly managing federal government contracts, particularly within the US Department of Defense or Intelligence Community.
- Contract Management Expertise: Demonstrated success in managing complex IDIQ, FFP, CPFF, and T&M contracts for the US government.
- Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of aerospace, satellite operations, remote sensing, or related complex technical systems. While not a technical role, the ability to grasp technical details and communicate effectively with engineers is crucial.
- Client Engagement: Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with senior-level government clients and stakeholders within the Intelligence Community.
- Financial Management: Proficient in managing program budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Leadership & Team Building: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage diverse, high-performing teams.
- Problem-Solving: Highly analytical with superior problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation abilities for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or PMP certification is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a startup or rapidly growing technology company.
- Experience with agile methodologies in a government contracting context.
- Existing network within the US Department of Defense or Intelligence Community contracting sphere.
Why Join Us?
- Lead critical programs that directly contribute to national security and advance commercial space capabilities.
- Be a key player in a groundbreaking company at the forefront of the satellite imaging industry.
- Opportunity to shape processes and contribute strategically to the growth of a dynamic startup.
- Work with cutting-edge technology and brilliant minds.
- Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive, innovative culture.
Total Rewards & Benefits
We understand that a competitive offer extends beyond base salary. As a rapidly growing startup, we're committed to building a highly motivated team and believe in sharing our success. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:
- Competitive Base Salary: We offer a strong base salary commensurate with your experience and the significant impact you'll have on our growth.
- Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): As an early-stage employee, you'll receive a meaningful grant of employee stock options. This provides you with an ownership stake in our company and the opportunity to share directly in our future success. We believe in aligning your contributions with our collective growth, offering substantial upside potential as we achieve our ambitious milestones.
- Company-sponsored 401(k): Matching contributions vested immediately.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Your well-being is a priority. We provide a robust employer-sponsored healthcare plan to ensure you and your family have access to quality medical care.
- Generous Paid Time Off: We value work-life balance and offer annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plus additional dedicated sick days.
- Paid Federal Holidays: Enjoy all federal holidays throughout the year, allowing you to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
What We Value:
You’ll love being on our team if you are someone who:
- Thrives in an ambiguous, semi-structured and dynamic environment.
- Upholds the highest level of integrity.
- Is proactive and takes initiative.
- Isn’t afraid to pitch in where the team needs you most.
- Can be depended on to do what they say and uphold their end of the teamwork.
- Is innovative, agile and flexible.
- Fully believes if you’re not having fun doing what you do, you are in the wrong place.
HEO USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sex stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
As a federal contractor, we are committed to affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to contribute to their fullest potential.
We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us.
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