Technical Program Manager, Cleared

Job description

Role Overview: Aalyria's Spacetime platform orchestrates highly dynamic aerospace networks using a temporospatial Software Defined Networking (SDN) approach, managing not just routing but the physical link topology and lower-layer configuration underneath it. We're looking for a Technical Program Manager to own execution on one of our most sensitive customer programs, work that requires an active TS/SCI clearance , with a polygraph strongly preferred given the access levels involved. You'll be the linchpin between Aalyria's engineering teams and a cleared government customer, driving technical tradeoffs directly rather than simply tracking them. Engineering will look to you to make sequencing, scope, and architecture-adjacent calls, and to represent program status and risk with complete accuracy to customer stakeholders who may not always have full visibility into every technical detail. This is a role for someone who can operate independently inside a classified environment, hold their own in a room with Staff or Principal engineers, and get things done through influence rather than authority. Key Responsibilities: End-to-End Technical Program Execution: Own program planning and execution for a classified Spacetime engineering effort, driving the work through each phase of the mission and directly resolving cross-system dependencies and technical tradeoffs, not just surfacing them for others to decide. Cleared Customer & Stakeholder Leadership: Serve as the primary programmatic interface with a cleared government customer, communicating fluently with both technical staff and senior government stakeholders across classified and unclassified channels. Cross-Functional Orchestration: Run the operating rhythm, such as kickoffs, technical reviews, exec readouts, that keeps Engineering, Product, and Solutions Engineering aligned on status, risk, and decisions across compartmented and uncompartmented workstreams. Requirements Translation & Technical Judgment: Translate customer and mission requirements into actionable engineering plans. You should be able to read and critique a design document unaided, and reason in real time about latency, throughput, scaling, and failure-mode tradeoffs. Security & Compliance Stewardship: Handle classified information and CUI correctly as a matter of course, maintain a sound personal security posture, and follow program security and export-control (ITAR/EAR) requirements without needing to be reminded. Partner closely with the FSO and IT/Cybersecurity, who are direct stakeholders in how this role is evaluated. Contract & Financial Management: Own T&M or cost-type contract reporting requirements, including monthly labor, subcontract, hardware, and materials tracking at the Master Equipment List (MEL) level to support invoicing. Risk & Delivery Coordination: Identify schedule, scope, and dependency risk early; escalate with context; and coordinate mitigations directly with engineering leads across development, staging, and dedicated government cloud production environments. Required Qualifications: Active TS/SCI clearance in good standing. TS/SCI with polygraph is strongly preferred given the access levels this role requires. 5+ years of experience in technical program management, engineering program management, or a closely related role delivering complex technical platforms, ideally for U.S. Government or defense/space customers. Demonstrated technical depth: the ability to read and critique a design document unaided, and to engage engineering teams on architecture, scaling, and failure-mode tradeoffs as a peer, not a translator. A track record with genuinely technical programs, infrastructure migrations, API/interface contracts, cross-system dependency resolution, or multi-team technical rollouts, not just cross-functional coordination with a technical flavor. Proven ability to influence without authority and interface confidently with senior government and customer stakeholders. Experience managing complex project financials, resource tracking, or strict contractual reporting requirements (T&M, FFP, or cost-type contracts). U.S. citizenship (required to hold and maintain the clearance level above). Background in engineering, hardware/software systems, or solutions architecture, or a related field with hands-on experience running technical programs alongside engineering teams. Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with networking, telecom, or SDN/traffic engineering concepts. Strong background in satellite and mission operations — early-orbit commissioning, fleet readiness, or operating in high-consequence environments. Experience supporting programs that have transitioned from prototype to production volumes, and improving TRL/MRL along the way. In-depth knowledge of USG acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS, and contract vehicles (BAAs, sole-source, IDIQs, OTAs). Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field — preferred, not mandatory. Equivalent hands-on technical experience is evaluated on equal footing. Willingness to travel occasionally as program needs require. What We Offer: Innovative Environment: Work at a cutting-edge company shaping the future of aerospace communications. Impactful Work: Directly contribute to critical national security programs and initiatives. Growth Opportunities: Expand your career with opportunities for professional development and advancement. Inclusive Culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where your contributions matter. Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid remote/in-office schedules. Compensation and Equity: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (401(k), dental, vision, health, life insurance), paid time off, and equity options. ITAR/EAR Requirements: This position involves access to export-controlled information. To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (A) Qualify as a U.S. person, which includes: U.S. citizen or national U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158 (B) Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization. (C) Be eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency. The company reserves the right to decline pursuing an export licensing process for legitimate business-related reasons. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. About Aalyria: Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.