Lead Program Manager

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 8 April 2026.

The AFRL Rocket Lab Test Execution Branch seeks to hire a Lead Program Manager at the DO-02 level. The position is located at the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB, CA.

For more than 60 years, the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB has contributed to several technology developments in rocket engines, including those of Saturn, Titan, Space Shuttle, and all major intercontinental ballistic missiles and current space launchers. Today, the site continues to enable technology leaps in hypersonics, solid rocket boosters, in-space propulsion, and liquid rockets for defense and commercial space in support for the Air & Space Forces.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Leads group of government mechanical technicians and logistics specialists.
• Advocates for adequate tools and resources necessary to support the sections mission and workload.
• Coordinates with PM’s to resolve work assignments and scheduling conflicts.
• Maintains visibility and continuity of sections tasks and project assignments.
• Communicates progress, issues and concerns to division, branch, and senior leadership.
• Prioritizes workflows for the mechanics across the branch.
• Provides mentorship and professional guidance to team members within the branch/section, and promotes and ensures compliance with established safety regulations and procedures.
• Supports team in identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving mechanical problems.
• Works with Branch Logistics to ensure all training is up to date, work with Branch Logistics rep to ensure preventative maintenance and/or calibrations are current on shop equipment.
• Collaborates with other sections on cross functional tasks. Leads and contributes to process improvement initiatives.
• Responsible for training new personnel on shop procedures and compliance.
• Evaluates training needs for team and champions access to necessary trainings.
• Addresses and resolve conflicts within team to maintain cohesion. Establishes and sustains processes that promote effective knowledge transfer within the section.
• Advises branch chief on award nominations and assists in writing award packages
• Provides branch chief with recommendations on who should get deltas on CCS Assist team with completing CCS evaluations.

• United States Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required Secret security clearance.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position. The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained.

• Experience in program management with responsibility for managing cost/schedule/performance
• Strong and effective communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build strong and effective teams, both internally as well as with external stakeholders
• Minimum 2 years experience in program management or 2 years leading technical work in support of rocket or flight test operations.
• Experience in either rocket or flight test
  
  

Requisition Number 62916