Technical Project Manager
About this role
Overview
Technical Project Manager
LOCATION:
On Site (Hybrid Option) - Kirtland AFB, NM
JOB STATUS:
Full-time
CLEARANCE:
Secret (Required), TS/SCI (Preferred)
CERTIFICATION:
PMP Preferred
TRAVEL:
<10%
Astrion is seeking a
Technical Project Manager
to support the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate, at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. This role is a key contributor to the Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) laboratory — a mission-critical effort accelerating the Space Force's transition to resilient future architectures through advanced system-of-systems design and ground demonstrations.
The Technical Project Manager will support execution and oversight of cross-functional engineering and technical teams, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and successful delivery of program milestones.
Required Qualifications / Skills
- U.S. Citizenship required
- DoD Secret clearance
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, business, or a related technical field
- 3+ years of experience supporting DoD or government programs, with 2+ years in a technical leadership or project/program management role
- Experience managing integrated schedules involving multiple interdependent systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Skilled in developing and maintaining integrated project schedules (e.g., with MS Project, Excel)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to interface effectively with senior government leaders, engineers, and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects with evolving priorities
Preferred Qualifications / Skills
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Familiarity with space systems, secure communications, or networked system architectures
- Understanding of system engineering principles and technical coordination in defense programs
- Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and cross-organizational collaboration
- Prior exposure to AFRL or Space Force technical initiatives is a plus
Responsibilities
- Assist the RAPID Program Manager with overall program strategy, planning, and execution
- Coordinate cross-functional technical teams, ensuring delivery of program objectives and alignment to schedule
- Represent the program in customer meetings, design reviews, and technical interchange meetings (TIMs)
- Track action items, monitor milestones, and maintain program documentation
- Support stakeholder engagement and build relationships across government and contractor teams
- Translate mission needs into executable technical plans alongside the Chief Engineer and Technical Director
- Monitor technical progress, risks, and interdependencies across hardware, software, and network development efforts
- Participate in requirements planning, architecture discussions, and trade studies as needed
- Ensure engineering efforts are aligned with program priorities
- Coordinate with subcontractors to ensure technical quality and contract compliance
- Assist in developing and maintaining schedules, budgets, and risk registers
- Track earned value, contract deliverables, and performance metrics
- Support creation of status reports, briefings, and formal contract data deliverables
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