Project Manager

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Title: Project Manager Pilot Execution (Engineering & Government Programs)

Location: Boulder CO (onsite/in-office)

Reports To: VP Commercialization

About Alta:

Alta Resource Technologies (Alta) is a next mining company that uses synthetic biology to separate critical minerals from conventional and unconventional resources, including e-waste. Founded in 2023, the company is expanding its team in Boulder, CO.

The exponential growth of new tech industries, as well as the information technology sector, are driving historic growth in mineral demand and stressing existing supply streams. Meeting new demand, diversifying the supply chain, and producing minerals in a more sustainable manner requires the rapid development, deployment and scaling of new technologies. This mineral challenge represents a historic opportunity for technology development and value creation. Alta is proud to be at the vanguard of this mega trend.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Project Manager with experience leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering projects to support the design, construction, and operation of our first-of-a-kind manufacturing pilot facility. This is a critical role responsible for driving execution across technical, budgetary, and stakeholder dimensionsensuring alignment with internal leadership and external partners, including the United States Government and Department of Defense. For earlier TRL projects, this position will report to the VP Commercialization. For later TRL projects, this position will report to the VP Engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Execution: Manage the full lifecycle of pilot implementationfrom planning to commissioningensuring timelines, deliverables, and success metrics are met.
• Schedule & Budget Oversight: Develop and maintain the master task schedule and integrated budget; ensure financials are tracked, validated, and reconciled with functional leads.
• Risk & Issue Management: Proactively identify risks, roadblocks, and resource constraints; escalate to executive leadership with thoughtful mitigation strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with technical and project leads (process engineering, chemistry, biology, biotech) to ensure alignment of execution and business priorities. Offer constructive challenge and strategic input based on sound technical judgment.
• External Reporting & Communication: Provide regular, structured updates to internal and external stakeholders such as the Department of Defense, U.S. Government stakeholders, and other external agencies.
• Documentation & Compliance: Ensure all project documentation, regulatory reports, and technical data packages are maintained, reviewed, and submitted in accordance with partner requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience managing large-scale, multidisciplinary technical projects in engineering, biotech, chemistry, advanced manufacturing, or related fields. Will consider fewer years if you have a PhD.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex government or dual-use programs, ideally involving the Department of Defense, or similar.
• Deep understanding of technical project lifecycles; Strong skills in cross-functional risk management, project oversight, program leadership, etc.
• Proven skills and experience collaborating and communicating with scientific leaders across various disciplines such as biologists, chemists, and engineers.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skillsable to operate with executive presence and influence at all levels.
• Working knowledge of standard project management software such as SmartSheets, Microsoft Project, etc.
• U.S. citizenship required

, But Not Required:

• PMP, PE, or relevant technical certifications are a plus.
• Eligibility for security clearance .
• Experience working with an engineering company at Series A stage.
• Confluence software experience.
• Experience working on a DOD proposal.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials.
• A mission-driven, high-trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, security, and sustainability.
• High Impact & Visibility: Direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package. The starting pay range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000 commensurate with educational background and work experience. Benefits including, 401(K) medical, dental, and vision plans, or equivalent, will be provided.

Interested? Apply now! We look forward to hearing from you!