Project Manager – Defense Systems

Summary

Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast. We are advancing patented vortex-hybrid engine technology to deliver propulsion systems that meet the highest standards of safety, affordability, and sustainability. In the commercial market, our Dauntless launch vehicle provides reliable and cost-effective access to orbit. In defense, our hybrid propulsion systems support next-generation tactical, hypersonic, and missile defense applications.

We're expanding our mission beyond commercial spaceflight to enhance U.S. defense capabilities. As a Project Manager – Defense Systems, you'll support our project leads in managing technical requirements, budgets, schedule, and risks for defense missions like tactical missiles, hypersonic cruise missile engines, missile defense systems, and more.

You'll join a team of innovative thinkers dedicated to advancing propulsion technology. At Vaya Space, we create high-performing, reliable propulsion systems while reducing costs and development times. You'll have the opportunity to develop your skills, collaborate with experts, and contribute to impactful projects.

We are a fast-paced, mission-driven team tackling some of the hardest problems in aerospace. Success at Vaya requires personal leadership, strong technical skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Every team member contributes across disciplines, stepping up where needed to drive innovation forward. If you want to make an impact and help shape the future of space and defense, Vaya Space is the place to do it.

Travel Required

Up to 10%

Required Security Clearance

Ability to gain and maintain a SECRET clearance if required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Support Project Leads of assigned development projects with Project Management work-packages: planning, identifying and progressing critical paths, maintaining accurate forecasts, and managing risks.
Maintain accurate project forecasts and delivery of project revenue and profit expectations.
Actively manage risk, issue, and action registers, and project history logs.
Monitor and report progress of Project Leads and senior management.
Manage the information flow for assigned projects.
Interface with stakeholders to verify propulsion system requirements are met
Co-ordinate sub-contractors, partners, and suppliers.
Ensure continued resource availability to deliver the project plan.
Support development of defense-related proposals and project bids including technical scope, budgets, resource planning, timelines, and deliverables.
Help manage customer expectations and maintain good working relationships with various defense primes and the Department of War.
Ensure delivered products are compliant with the agreed Scope of Work.
Ensure project is delivered within all statutory legal and procedural requirements.
Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years OR a master’s degree with 2+ year experience within the business environment with preference in project management and/or program integration
Knowledge of Project Management principles and experience utilizing them professionally
Use of suitable tools such as Microsoft Project to schedule, track, and measure project status and performance.
Excellent problem solver and critical thinker who can synthesize information in order to make and successfully implement effective decisions.
Definition, allocation, communication, and prioritization of tasks and priorities, within a multi-disciplined engineering and manufacturing team.
Able to communicate effectively and professionally with customers to elicit requirements and manage expectations.
Strong leadership and negotiating skills for managing all key stakeholders including internal teams, supply-chain, customers, and other key external stakeholders.
Proficient with Microsoft Office tool suite
Willingness to work flexible hours as necessary.
To comply with U.S. export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations you must (a) be a “U.S. Person” as defined under those regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., and protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (b) otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce, as appropriate.

Preferred Skills and Education

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or similar highly desirable.
Experience with project management of Department of War contracts and research programs.
Proven success supporting multiple projects simultaneously.
Attention to detail
Familiarity with rocket engines and associated test systems
Familiarity with supersonic or hypersonic airbreathing propulsion systems
Passion for finding new solutions to unique missile propulsion problems

Project Manager - Defense Systems