Associate Program Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

We are a rapidly growing, US-based space startup revolutionizing satellite imaging using advanced in-orbit capabilities. Specifically, our expertise lies in leveraging in-space assets for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). As an international company, we navigate a unique landscape while delivering critical services to our clients. Having recently secured several significant contracts, we are expanding our team to meet the exciting demands of our growth.

To support this next phase, we're building a high-performing, interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. We're looking for talented, passionate people who value collaboration, growth, and learning to join us.

HEO is a post-Series A company backed by high-profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator, and In-Q-Tel. We are headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices in London, UK, and Washington, D.C., USA.

We are seeking a high-energy Associate Program Manager to serve as the operational bridge between our engineering teams and our US Government national security clients. In this role, you will support the delivery lifecycle of our fused SDA products, ensuring complex satellite data moves from our satellites to the client's desk seamlessly and professionally. This is a "utility player" role designed for someone who loves the intersection of space technology, government mission success, and operational excellence. As you master our global delivery process, you will have the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility for smaller projects and contracts.

• Product Delivery Pipeline: Facilitate the end-to-end coordination of all-source technical SDA products, ensuring they are formatted, reviewed, and delivered to government clients according to contract schedules.

• Cross-Functional Liaison: Act as the operational bridge between US clients and our Australia-based engineering team to align delivery timelines across time zones.

• Project Tracking & Reporting: Maintain project dashboards (Jira, Monday.com, or similar) to track milestones, identify bottlenecks in the delivery process, and provide weekly status updates to leadership.

• Contractual Deliverables: Prepare Monthly Status Reports (MSRs), technical meeting minutes, and data item deliverables (CDRLs/SDRLs) required under government contracts.

• Mission Support: Support the planning and execution of Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) and Program Management Reviews (PMRs) with government and commercial stakeholders.

• Graduated Autonomy: As you master the HEO ecosystem, you will take lead responsibility for smaller pilot programs and commercial contracts, managing the timeline, technical deliverables, and client interface independently.

• Education: Bachelor's degree (BA/BS). While STEM is preferred, we value demonstrated experience in complex delivery environments over a specific degree.

• Experience: 3 years in Project Management, Mission Operations, or Program Support within a high-stakes industry (e.g., Space, Defense, Robotics, or Deep Tech).
• Operational Rigor: You are comfortable with the documentation and reporting requirements of high-value contracts (e.g., status reports, milestone tracking, and compliance).

• Startup Agility: Experience thriving in fast-paced, semi-structured environments where you are expected to build processes, not just follow them.
• Technical Fluency: Experience working alongside engineering teams with the ability to translate complex technical data into professional stakeholder insights.
• Stakeholder Management: Experience acting as a professional interface for external partners, whether they are government program managers or commercial enterprise clients.

• Tools: Proficiency with project management software. Experience with data viz tools or scripting (Python) for automation is a major plus.

• Communication: Strong presence in meetings; ability to lead a sync with engineers in the morning and a project review with clients in the afternoon.

• Security Requirement: Must have the ability to obtain or maintain a US government Top Secret security clearance.

We understand that a competitive offer extends beyond base salary. As a rapidly growing startup, we're committed to building a highly motivated team and believe in sharing our success. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:

• Competitive Base Salary: We offer a strong base salary commensurate with your experience and the significant impact you'll have on our growth.

• Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): As an early-stage employee, you'll receive a meaningful grant of employee stock options. This provides you with an ownership stake in our company and the opportunity to share directly in our future success. We believe in aligning your contributions with our collective growth, offering substantial upside potential as we achieve our ambitious milestones.

• Company-sponsored 401(k): Matching contributions vested immediately.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Your well-being is a priority. We provide a robust employer-sponsored healthcare plan to ensure you and your family have access to quality medical care.

• Generous Paid Time Off: We value work-life balance and offer annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plus additional dedicated sick days.

• Paid Federal Holidays: Enjoy all federal holidays throughout the year, allowing you to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

You'll love being on our team if you are someone who:

• Thrives in an ambiguous, semi-structured and dynamic environment.

• Upholds the highest level of integrity.

• Is proactive and takes initiative.

• Isn't afraid to pitch in where the team needs you most.

• Can be depended on to do what they say and uphold their end of the teamwork.

• Is innovative, agile and flexible.

• Fully believe if you're not having fun doing what you do, you are in the wrong place.

HEO USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sex stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

As a federal contractor, we are committed to affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to contribute to their fullest potential.

We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please reach out.