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Program Associate Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO (NOW HIRING)

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and ... The Program Manager will be responsible for direct management of multiple R&D programs in a fast ...

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Program Associate information

See Colorado Springs, CO salary details

$24.6K

$51.6K

$89.2K

How much do program associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program associate in Colorado Springs, CO is $51,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,400.00 and $58,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program associate?

A program associate fills a variety of roles in nonprofits and professional associations, including that of office administrator, project manager, and strategic planner. In this career, you often work to sustain your organization by managing donor programs, fundraising, and enlisting support from a corporation or government agencies. Depending on your role and the organization, your job duties may include creating plans and budgets, tracking membership or partnerships, calculating donations or other expenditures, developing program literature, and researching or analyzing data. You need to plan and execute events seamlessly, so organizational skills are vital. Common qualifications for a program associate include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

What are some of the typical challenges a program associate might face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines, stakeholders, and reporting requirements. Balancing competing priorities while ensuring that every project receives adequate attention can be challenging. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and proactive problem-solving are essential for success in this role. Regular check-ins with supervisors and utilizing project management tools can also help Program Associates stay organized and meet expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Associate, you need strong organizational abilities, project coordination experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is often required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help Program Associates stand out. These abilities ensure efficient program execution, smooth stakeholder collaboration, and achievement of organizational goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Colorado Springs, CO?

The most popular types of Program jobs in Colorado Springs, CO are:

What are popular job titles related to Program Associate jobs in Colorado Springs, CO?

For Program Associate jobs in Colorado Springs, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Associate jobs in Colorado Springs, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Associate jobs in Colorado Springs, CO are:

What cities near Colorado Springs, CO are hiring for Program Associate jobs?

Cities near Colorado Springs, CO with the most Program Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Associate job openings in Colorado Springs, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,600 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Associate Program Manager

Colorado Springs, CO


Kratos Defense
National Security and International Affairs • 1 - 5K employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Readiness Delivered. At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees, and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. Kratos has an exciting opportunity for a Associate Program Manager in Colorado Springs, CO, in support of a Department of Defense (DOD) customer.We are seeking an Associate Program Manager (PM) to join a highly motivated team in running a large, complex program that has multiple development efforts occurring in parallel.  The successful candidate will effectively interface directly with the larger PM team, including SW Architect, and Principal Engineer.  The successful candidate will be responsible for leading project/program teams that will focus on systems engineering, software development, cybersecurity, finance, facilities, contracts, and business development.  The candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the program requirements are met, while maintaining schedule and budget.

Key focus areas will include:

  • Support to the agile development lifecycle - cradle to grave
  • Performance of CAM and EV related duties as required
  • Support the program management office to maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), Estimate at Complete (EAC), and staffing profile
  • Articulate technical concepts orally and in written forms for the customer, users, and internal stakeholders
  • Support tracking overall progression of tasks to ensure on-time & on-budget completion per the planned development release schedule
  • Monitoring and assessing progress from the team to ensure the program is on track, while managing customer expectations and interactions. 
  • Effective management of subcontractors, including Statements of Work
  • Proactively leading risk identification and mitigation plans, and proactively conducting and leading contingency plans
  • Ensuring Agreement Data Requirements Lists (ADRLs) are delivered on time and meet Data Item Description requirements
  • Collaborate with functional / resource managers (matrix organization) to allocate staff resources and identify resource needs
  • Properly manage classified information and activities
  • Manage the capture of Engineering Change Proposals by leading proposal efforts
  • Interface directly with customers to ensure project requirements are met and guarantee our performance exceeds customer expectations

  • Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from an accredited college or university in business, engineering, scientific, or other technical discipline
  • Demonstrate proficiency with managing programmatic attributes such as EVMS, IMS, Risk and Risk reduction efforts, and customer and subcontractor relations and negotiations
  • Experience with scheduling applications, with the ability to work with a program scheduler to develop and maintain a detailed Program Schedule, effectively tracking technical progress
  • Strong teaming, leadership, organizational and verbal/written communication skills
  • Ability to develop and deliver effective customer presentations (design reviews, status reports, kickoff meetings, test plans) demonstrating an ability to communicate comfortably at a system level
  • Proven ability to quickly pivot as appropriate to address issues caused by changing situations, such as customer needs and scope modifications and/or supplier challenges, and potentially capitalize on any opportunities the change may provide
  • Knowledge of Waterfall and Agile/SAFe-Iterative development program schedule methodologies
  • Travel required ~ 10-20%.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Experience working US Government Projects, specifically with the US Space Force satellite ground systems.
  • Experience working with RF communication equipment
  • Experience working in Satellite communications
  • Experience with Atlassian tools
  • RF Antenna site construction and installations
  • Operational Center design, verification and delivery
  • Experience working with an Agile/Iterative software development scheduling approach
  • Experienced in Satellite TT&C, C2, and/or Space to Ground communications
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus

#LI-Onsite 

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $85,000-$90,000

Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings—from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.   



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