Project Manager II-III

Job Description

Position posted Thursday, June 25, 2026 | Expires Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community.

The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

NRAO is expanding project management excellence as exciting new projects are beginning. We are seeking a project manager to join our team who will not only contribute to observatory projects but also be passionate about modernizing observatory processes and project controls. You will have the opportunity to combine your project management experience and your interest in improving processes with a keen interest to contribute to NRAO’s science through observatory operations and development.

The position will be on‑site based at the NRAO site in either Socorro, NM or in Albuquerque, NM. If a candidate is selected to report to the Albuquerque office, frequent travel to Socorro will be required. Domestic travel to other locations is required at approximately 10%.

• Successfully lead all project management tasks for assigned projects
• Expertly optimize resources among assigned projects, determine scheduling priorities, and coordinate project components for best overall outcome
• Provide written periodic progress reports to the Observatory including KPIs, milestones, and other progress metrics
• Provide periodic budget reports and forecasts
• Lead project teams through successful gate reviews
• Effectively coordinate with all levels of project teams and stakeholders
• Increase efficiency of observatory staff to prepare proposals and manage projects within our project management framework

Work is typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. Occasional domestic travel will be required.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering, computational, or scientific field. Five or more years of work experience directly related to this project (software programming, electrical engineering, etc.) may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement
• Experience as a project manager, preferably in a scientific or engineering organization
• Demonstrated experience with core program management responsibilities: risk management, scheduling, process engineering, testing, quality and product assurance principles and applications, reporting, acquisition, budgeting

• Demonstrated fluency with Microsoft Project, Confluence and Jira as project management tools
• Passion for writing quality, accurate, and detailed documentation
• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and leadership skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Problem‑solving skills
• Proactive work ethic and ability to work both with a team and independently
• Ability to work effectively with and build consensus among stakeholders

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

The starting salary rate of this position is between $86,000 and $121,000 per year. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Associated Universities, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes.