Program Manager, Giant Magellan Telescope; GMT

Program Manager, Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) (IS-340-15)

Final date to receive applications: 15 June 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $167,560 - $197,200 / year

Opening/Closing Dates: 17 April 2026 - 15 June 2026

Series/Grade: PROGRAM MANAGER IS-340-15

Type of Position: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

Division: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE

Location: Cambridge, MA

Position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the U.S. SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

• Pass pre‑employment background check and subsequent background investigation, as required.
• Complete a probationary period if applicable.
• Maintain a bank account for direct deposit/electronic transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
• This position requires access to export‑controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, approved asylee, or refugee) or a national of a country eligible for an export license who is eligible to work in the US.
• The incumbent of this position is required to file a Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interests (SI Form 1085).

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard‑Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best‑known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground‑based astronomy and astrophysics research to space‑based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground‑based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

The purpose of this position is to provide overall program direction and technical leadership to the development of the GMT‑Consortium Large Earth Finder (G‑CLEF) and other instrumentation projects for the next generation Giant Magellan Telescope, and potentially to the development of other new or upgraded scientific instruments for astronomical and astrophysical data collection for existing ground‑based telescopes.

• Direct day‑to‑day management of assigned complex instrumentation projects; work with Principal Investigators and Project Engineers to ensure that tasks, procurements, and other project actions progress as planned; maintain and track action and risk registers.
• Update and status the project schedule with project staff and subcontractors.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact in establishing and executing major subcontracts.
• Coordinate with SAO GMTO projects’ Business Manager and other administrative/management staff to ensure GMT projects are effectively supported.
• Develop plans, budgets, schedules, resource allocations, work statements, and work breakdown structures for developing instruments for the GMT or other ground‑based telescopes.
• Communicate overall project plans and detailed task expectations to SAO personnel at all levels and to subcontractors and partners.
• Prepare and oversee submission of periodic progress status reports as required by sponsors; monitor project execution using recognized metrics and evaluation tools such as Earned Value Management, identify risks and implement corrective actions.
• Organize and conduct regularly recurring project technical status meetings; lead the overall preparation and execution of major technical and management reviews, including milestone and instrument Preliminary and Final Design Reviews.
• Conduct and lead progress meetings with industry subcontractors of major assemblies as needed; develop and present technical and programmatic briefings in support of proposals, functional working group meetings, status reviews, and formal program reviews.
• Serve on mission panels and technical working groups as appropriate.
• Provide technical…