Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether we're performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution.

Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for the leadership and execution of Estes Energetics' portfolio of solid rocket motor projects, in conjunction with the chief engineer or lead engineer. This position combines strategic leadership of the rocket motor portfolio with on-schedule and on-budget project execution. The PM leads certain projects directly and leads other projects through assigned project managers. This position is the bridge between stakeholders and the project team.

Essential Functions

Program Planning & Execution:

Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, cost estimates, risk assessments, and resource requirements. Oversee the day-to-day program execution to ensure timely delivery of milestones, deliverables, and overall project goals. Ensure compliance with defense contracts, procurement regulations (e.g., FAR/DFARS), and technical requirements.

Stakeholder Management:

Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams, clients, and government agencies, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project objectives. Manage stakeholder expectations and address concerns or issues promptly and effectively. Prepare and present program updates, status reports, and briefings to senior management and customers.

Team Leadership & Coordination:

Lead cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality assurance, to ensure collaboration and goal alignment. Define roles and responsibilities within the project team, providing direction, mentorship, and conflict resolution. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.

Budget & Financial Management:

Monitor project budgets, ensuring adherence to financial targets and cost management throughout the project lifecycle. Provide regular financial status updates and variance reports to senior management, adjusting project plans as necessary to address budget deviations. Work with procurement teams to optimize costs while ensuring compliance with acquisition requirements.

Risk Management:

Identify, assess, and manage program risks, including technical, financial, and operational risks. Develop mitigation plans to address potential project risks, ensuring minimal disruption to project timelines and outcomes. Ensure risk management processes are documented and reported to stakeholders.

Contract & Compliance Management:

Ensure compliance with all contractual obligations, industry standards, and government regulations. Participate in contract modifications, negotiations, and performance metrics in alignment with acquisition strategies.

Quality Assurance & Delivery:

Ensure the highest levels of quality and performance for all deliverables. Implement continuous monitoring of program performance, quality control, and post-project analysis for improvement opportunities. Lead after-action reviews and lessons-learned sessions for future project enhancements.

Change Management:

Manage scope changes, ensuring alignment with program goals and customer expectations. Assess and communicate the impact of any change requests, ensuring they are documented, justified, and incorporated into the project plan.

Competencies, Experience, and Education

Required

Minimum 5 years of technical project management experience, preferably in the defense industry Minimum 5 years of people leadership experience in a technical, engineering, or operations environment Excellent written and oral communication skillsStrong ability to work with multiple competing priorities Ability to think and act strategically Ability to deal with uncertainty

Work Environment:

The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors.

Physical Demands

Sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer Use of mouse/computer keyboard May have to lift up to 50 pounds Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location

Travel:

Travel to visit customers, potential suppliers, partners, other operations sites, and industry events. Up to 25%.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Employees are expected to work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods.

Benefits:

Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including:

Individual and family coverage health reimbursement account (ICHRA) Life and disability insurance - 100% paid by company 401(k) retirement plan - 7% match with vesting after 30 days8 paid holidaysSingle, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy

Work Authorization:

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Colorado Type I explosives permit and qualify as an employee possessor on an ATF explosives license.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program:

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at:https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The pay range for this role is:150,000 - 200,000 USD per year(Penrose)

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