Program Manager

Date Posted:
December 18, 2025

The Civil & Commercial Space Division at Space Dynamics Laboratory is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state‑of‑the‑art sensors and satellites, and provide world‑class AI & T technologies and mission management. Our projects span planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

The SDL Civil and Commercial Space Division seeks Program Managers with experience managing and developing complex aerospace systems. The successful applicant will manage the day‑to‑day program needs for space satellite and sensor systems, lead a group of engineers and support staff to provide timely, cost‑effective solutions to Government and Commercial customers, and work closely with customers, external partners, vendors, scientists, developers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel.

• Understands and addresses customer needs and issues, usually by direct interface
• Develops and nourishes a strong partner relationship with the customer program management and engineering leadership teams
• Pursues new business development opportunities
• Leads complex system development by organizing and focusing the work of multiple engineers with diverse specialties on a common technical solution
• Ensures the technical team has clear deliverables with clear deadlines
• Defines “done” and keeps the team focused on the mission
• Coordinates with multiple corporate and government agencies to execute the contract
• Assembles and directs corporate resources toward execution of the contract
• Identifies, tracks, avoids, and mitigates risks
• Tracks issues of scope, approach, cost, and schedule
• Delivers the contracted result
• Manages subcontractor and vendor performance

• MS in an applicable engineering systems degree field and five or more years of technical program experience, or a BS and seven or more years of technical program experience
• Ability to understand complex technical issues, translate them to workable tasks, and guide technical discussions and decisions
• Experience managing complex space system (electrical, mechanical, optical) development with loosely defined requirements
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex environment with equal partners
• Proficiency in task management
• Ability to organize and manage a geographically dispersed team that includes SDL and subcontractor team members
• Experience developing program schedules and controlling budgets to meet required deadlines
• Ability to work in a team‑oriented environment while making direct contributions to team success
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be a US citizen and hold an active Top Secret Clearance
• Must be able to travel

• Technical engineering or science degree
• PMP or other management credential
• Experience with EVMS
• Experience with DoD or NASA technical programs, including working with NASA mission principle investigators
• Demonstrated success managing high‑tempo projects

• $116,000 - $175,000
  • Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit the Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi‑domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground…