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Acquisition Program Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Sr. Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170 - $200/hr

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance and customer ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer ...

Akima, LLC

Program Manager

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

The Program Manager will serve as the contractor's primary point of contact and overall leader for ... Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition, sustainment, and lifecycle support processes. * Experience ...

HX5 LLC

Program Manager

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Program Manager Program Manager, Senior Peterson Space Force Base Colorado Springs, Colorado HX5 is ... Provide relevant input to acquisition planning activities, upgrades and modifications and studies ...

Intrepidgs

Deputy Program Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Deputy Program Manager page is loaded## Deputy Program Managerlocations: Aurora - COposted on ... Intrepid Acquisition Holdings, LLC. (IAH), is a leading provider of global-scale logistics ...

CesiumAstro

Program Manager

Westminster, CO · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

Experience in DoD Acquisition Process. * Return-To-Green experience on one or more programs. * Experience in NRE development programs desired. * Program Manager Professional (PMP) Certified. $113,000 ...

CesiumAstro

Program Manager

Westminster, CO · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

Experience in DoD Acquisition Process. * Return-To-Green experience on one or more programs. * Experience in NRE development programs desired. * Program Manager Professional (PMP) Certified.

CesiumAstro

Program Manager

Westminster, CO · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

Experience in DoD Acquisition Process. * Return-To-Green experience on one or more programs. * Experience in NRE development programs desired. * Program Manager Professional (PMP) Certified. $113,000 ...

Intrepidgs

Enterprise Program Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Enterprise Program Manager page is loaded## Enterprise Program Managerlocations: Aurora - COposted ... Intrepid Acquisition Holdings, LLC. (IAH), is a leading provider of global-scale logistics ...

Intrepid

Deputy Program Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

$118K/yr

Working closely with the Program Manager, this role assists in overseeing daily operations ... Top Secret SCI W/ CI Polygraph Intrepid Acquisition Holdings, LLC www.intrepidgs.com Intrepid ...

Intrepidgs

Deputy Program Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

$118K/yr

Working closely with the Program Manager, this role assists in overseeing daily operations ... Top Secret SCI W/ CI Polygraph Intrepid Acquisition Holdings, LLC www.intrepidgs.com Intrepid ...

Kinsley Power Systems

Program Manager

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Program ManagerProgram Manager, JourneymanPeterson Space Force BaseColorado Springs, Colorado HX5 ... Provide relevant input to acquisition planning activities, upgrades and modifications and studies ...

Intrepidgs

Enterprise Program Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

Top Secret SCI W/ CI Polygraph Intrepid Acquisition Holdings, LLC www.intrepidgs.com Intrepid ... As a world-class leader in providing seasoned program management, IAH leverages and integrates its ...

Intrepid

Enterprise Program Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

Top Secret SCI W/ CI Polygraph Intrepid Acquisition Holdings, LLC www.intrepidgs.com Intrepid ... As a world-class leader in providing seasoned program management, IAH leverages and integrates its ...

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All JobsAcquisition Program JobsAcquisition Program Manager JobsAcquisition Program Manager Jobs in Colorado

Acquisition Program Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$45.7K

$91.3K

$157.7K

How much do acquisition program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition program manager in Colorado is $91,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,800.00 and $117,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acquisition program manager?

Acquisition Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement and lifecycle of products, services, or systems within an organization, often in government or defense sectors. They coordinate project timelines, budgets, and requirements to ensure successful delivery and compliance with regulations. Their role involves working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and mitigating risks throughout the acquisition process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acquisition program manager?

To thrive as an Acquisition Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, knowledge of procurement regulations, and typically a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with acquisition management systems, federal contracting tools, and certifications like DAWIA or PMP are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities help build consensus among stakeholders and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure successful program delivery, regulatory compliance, and efficient use of resources in acquisition environments.

What are some common challenges acquisition program managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Acquisition Program Managers often work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including engineers, finance specialists, and contract officers, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Balancing the needs of various departments while ensuring program timelines and budgets are met requires strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to shifting requirements and regulatory changes is a frequent challenge, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving important qualities for success in the role.

What is the difference between Acquisition Program Manager vs Contract Specialist?

AspectAcquisition Program ManagerContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, often with contracting certifications like FAC-C or DAWIA
Work EnvironmentOversees large acquisition projects, collaborates with multiple teamsFocuses on contract development, negotiation, and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense, aerospaceGovernment agencies, defense, federal contracting
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in acquisitionsUnderstanding contract management roles in acquisitions

The Acquisition Program Manager and Contract Specialist roles both operate within government and defense sectors, but the Program Manager oversees entire acquisition projects, while the Contract Specialist focuses on contract details and compliance. Both require related certifications and work environments, making them common points of comparison for professionals in procurement and acquisition fields.

What are popular job titles related to Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Colorado?

For Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Colorado are:

Acquisition Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisition Program Manager job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,273 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Sr. Program Manager

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO • On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 10+ years of experience managing DoD programs
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related field
Compensation: $170,000-$200,000 depending upon education and experience.
 
Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense.  Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies.  Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification – to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective.  We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.  
 
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
 
Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Department of Defense (DoD) programs. The Program Manager will oversee program scope, cost, schedule, performance, and customer satisfaction while ensuring compliance with DoD policies, contractual requirements, and organizational standards. This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, and experience working within DoD acquisition frameworks. The candidate will be responsible for successful execution and programmatic tracking support for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon Systems and/or HEL Beam Control Systems (BCS).  Work with Program Technical Leads to develop and manage program plans, resource allocation, schedule, budget, risk definition and tracking, and track execution against program plans and metrics.  Provide regular written and verbal reports to peers and management.  Implement appropriate business and operations systems in support of program execution needs.  The Program Manager must be expert at working with MSOffice based tools (Excel, MS Project, PowerPoint, Word) to support budget management, bill of materials management, cost tracking and controls, and schedule management and controls.  Work with Program Technical Leads, engineering teams, and accounting and supply chain to document and report task progress and set goals and objectives.  Support configuration management through the system design, development, integration, and test phases.  Responsible for supporting the development and integration of artifacts for formal DoD acquisition design reviews (Status Reports, CoDR, SRR, PDR, IBR, etc.).  The ideal candidate has a strong technical background, DoD Program Management experience, and is strong at mentorship, teaching, and has experience with agile software development principles and processes.

All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.  Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.  Please review this information before applying.
 
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with DoD customers, stakeholders, and subcontractors.
  • Lead program planning, budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking.
  • Manage program teams across engineering, logistics, security, and support functions.
  • Develop program documentation (e.g., Program Management Plans, risk registers, decision briefs).
  • Monitor contract performance, deliverables, and earned value management (EVM) metrics as required.
  • Prepare and present program status reports, milestones, and reviews (e.g., IPTs, PMRs).
  • Identify, mitigate, and manage program risks, issues, and opportunities.
  • Oversee subcontractor performance and contract modifications.
  • Actively manage technical teams to ensure efficient and rapid execution of complex systems
Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail.  Pride in Workmanship.
  • 10+ years of experience managing DoD programs
  • Demonstrated experience working with DoD customers and acquisition processes.
  • Proven ability to manage complex programs with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
  • Experience with risk management and issue resolution.
  • Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, Jira, EVM tools, etc.).
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure.
  • Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution.
  • Develop and maintain documentation in support of formal DoD acquisition design reviews (i.e. CoDR, SRR, PDR, IBR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
  • Technical Presentation and Report Writing Skills (i.e. good technical writing skills are critical)
  • Vendor management experience.
 
Additional Desired Experience / Capability
  • Master’s degree (MBA, MS Systems Engineering, or related field).
  • Experience in functional and performance requirements allocation and tracking.
  • Experience in System Engineering tools: Model-based Systems Engineering tools.
  • Experience with High Energy Laser systems.
  • Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking and/or Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems.
  • Configuration Management for laser and electro-optical systems, in particular for high power applications.
 
Benefits Summary:  
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year 
  • 11 paid Holidays 
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
  • Tuition Assistance Program 
  • Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents 
  • Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100% 
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting  

  

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at HR@nlightdefense.com.  

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