Program Manager, Government & Defense

About AIRCO AIRCO is a world leader in carbon conversion technology, paving the way to global energy security by transforming CO₂ into a valuable resource. Its proprietary AIRMADE™ Technology is an adaptable platform that allows any industry to efficiently produce high-demand, fully-formulated synthetic fuels from waste CO₂ and hydrogen. The company has commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and has been awarded multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the United States Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit.

The company has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Inc. Best in Business, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and the XPrize for Carbon Removal. AIRCO’s many accolades include winning the prestigious Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2023, an award given to organizations that reinvent processes to reduce the generation of hazardous substances and byproducts.

AIRCO was also declared a winner for the World Economic Forum UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge, which accelerates the development of promising technology pathways that enable widespread uptake of SAF. The Position We are seeking a Program Manager - Government - to join our team. This role will report to our Director of Government & Defense Programs.

Requirements

-led development of products and other opportunities.

, and ensure designs are sound and executable. Power Source: work with external partners to integrate and secure power sourcing for MAD systems.

: coordinate across all sections and stakeholders (feedstocks, water treatment, customer input) so internal teams are aligned and the product being designed is the right one. Track program performance against key metrics, generate regular reports, and present updates to senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations. Evaluate potential partnerships based on technology readiness, manufacturing readiness, and business alignment in support of the MAD and Advanced Manufacturing programs.

Support AIRCOs Technical Lead and RD&E members in submission of program funding proposals and follow on program management of any awarded programs. Conduct other tasks assigned. Coordinate closely with, and provide support to, key cross-functional partners at AIRCO.

What you bring to AIRCO 5-7+ years of experience with public-segment customers, in a technical capacity in a related industry and in comparable technical program management. Demonstrated ownership of a product, project, or process that was operationalized and successfully iterated on over time Experience managing technical programs, with the ability to speak the same technical language as engineering/RD&E teams and evaluate Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Engineering, Chemistry, etc) Ability to work diligently and independently, with an eagerness to learn.

Exceptional communication skills. Bonus Points Prior military/defense experience. Master’s degree in a relevant field.

PMP/PMI or similar certification.

Benefits

, that kick in Day 1, AIRCO is: A team of engineers, scientists, operators, builders, and innovators working on hard problems with tangible impact. A company building and deploying real systems for fuel and chemical production in real-world conditions.