Joint Space Protection; JSP) Program Manager; Science​/Engineering Program Manager

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Science/Engineering Program Manager 4 or 5 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Exceptional candidates may be considered for a higher-level position, and additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Global Security (GS) Directorate is seeking applicants for the Program Manager (PM) of the Joint Space Protection (JSP) Program. This position reports directly to the Program Directors for Intelligence and Emerging Threats (GS-IET) and National Security and Defense (GS-NSD).

The JSP provides space and ground solutions for Department of War (DOW) and Intelligence Community (IC) customer needs. These projects range from concept studies to data processing tools to spaceflight hardware. The JSP is currently executing ~$40M of projects in FY2026, with significant growth anticipated in FY2027. Note that DOW activities associated with the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) are led by the Nuclear Nonproliferation and Security Program Office (GS-NNS).

The PM leads the management, coordination, and development of JSP space activities and will serve as LANL's principal interface to the IC and DOW for all space related activities in coordination with the GS Program Directors and the GS Executive Advisor. The selected candidate will also advise Program Directors, Line Managers and internal investment boards (such as Laboratory-Directed Research and Development - LDRD) on the needs and opportunities of customer-funded space programs.

The JSP PM will coordinate with other LANL Program offices which conduct space activities as needed to set institutional priorities, resolve resource conflicts, and ensure coherent investments across the LANL space enterprise.

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the JSP PM will identify and coordinate strategic partnerships with other Federally Funded Research and Development Corporations (FFRDCs) and Commercial Industry to leverage LANL's unique capabilities for system development. This work will include collaboration with other LANL organizations, such as the Feynman Center for Innovation (FCI) to address legal aspects of collaboration.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge
:
Demonstrated experience in space system design, production, and/or operations including a working familiarity with NASA and/or DOW Technical Readiness Level (TRL) assessment as it applies to space systems. The Program Manager is not expected to be an expert in all areas of space system design and operations but is expected to be conversant in critical areas and knowledgeable of integration and test.

Project Management: Demonstrated ability to convert concepts and strategic objectives into executable projects with measurable outcomes. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and deadlines. Familiarity with coordinating interdisciplinary efforts and aligning project work with broader organizational goals. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in both planning and execution.

Customer Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
:
Ability to build effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Experience collaborating with leadership, subject matter experts, partner organizations, and/or public audiences. Ability to assess customer needs and translate them into achievable projects scopes and deliverables. Experience setting realistic expectations regarding project scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Leadership
:
Demonstrated peer‑leadership ability to collaborate and strategize with colleagues to meet customer/project objectives while developing team members and meeting institutional goals.

Teamwork/Collaboration
:
Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful, collaborative, and productive work environment. Ability to work constructively and professionally with…