Program Manager - Space Systems

Program Manager – Space EO/IR Payloads - Direct Placement

Job Description

This role leads complex space payload programs within an optical sensor systems environment, overseeing the full lifecycle from concept and development through testing, delivery, and sustainment. The Program Manager manages cross‑functional teams, integrates technical, cost, and schedule performance using EVMS, and serves as the primary interface with government and prime customers to ensure all technical requirements, contractual obligations, and program objectives are met.

• Lead medium-to-large scale space EO/IR payload programs from initiation through completion, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive program plans that integrate technical, schedule, cost, risk, and resource elements across the program lifecycle.
• Oversee program finances, including budget development, cost tracking, variance analysis, and forecasting, while maintaining program quality and meeting financial targets.
• Use EVMS and integrated master schedules (IMS) to monitor and control cost, schedule, and performance on large, complex hardware programs.
• Coordinate closely with engineering teams to ensure payload designs meet technical requirements, system performance goals, and contractual specifications.
• Collaborate with supply chain, major subcontractors, and manufacturing to ensure timely procurement, production readiness, and on‑time delivery of hardware.
• Serve as a primary liaison with government and prime contractor customers, facilitating regular communication, reviews, and decision‑making to maintain alignment and trust.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including executives, product managers, and cross‑functional leaders, to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the program.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration with product, engineering, operations, and other departments to ensure all elements of the program are integrated and delivered as planned.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks, issues, and dependencies; develop and implement mitigation plans and escalate critical concerns when necessary.
• Develop detailed project schedules, allocate resources effectively, and track progress against key milestones to keep programs on track.
• Provide clear, regular status updates to senior management and stakeholders, including formal reports, presentations, and briefings on program performance, risks, and issues.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the program, identifying and implementing process enhancements that increase efficiency, collaboration, and overall program success.
• Interact with internal and external representatives at various levels to resolve technical, scheduling, and integration issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure technical leadership and excellence by participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of management, professional, and technical talent.
• Provide leadership in identifying program risks and opportunities, and drive the development of innovative solutions to complex program challenges.
• Ensure adherence to program management best practices, including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines and milestones.
• Support and lead major program reviews and customer engagements, including design reviews, status reviews, and readiness assessments.
• Manage and oversee subcontractor performance, ensuring alignment with program objectives, schedules, and quality requirements.
• Champion a results‑oriented culture that maintains focus on program success and supports long‑term organizational goals.

• Extensive program management experience leading large, complex hardware‑focused programs, preferably in aerospace or defense, with a strong emphasis on space payloads.
• Demonstrated experience managing aerospace or defense programs that involve hardware development, integration, and delivery, rather than software‑only efforts.
• Experience in satellites or satellite payloads, particularly optical or laser payloads, or closely related systems.
• Prov…