Space Telecom Program Manager

Overview

Job
Date Posted:
January 22, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Space Telecom Program Manager with a background in managing and developing complex space hardware systems for government and commercial missions to join our Civil & Commercial Space Division. The selected candidate will work as part of a larger team of customers, external partners and vendors, telecom subject-matter experts, developers, engineers, technicians, and support personnel.

The selected candidate will lead the development, test, and delivery of space-grade deep space telecom software-defined radios as well as leading efforts with new business development in this technology area.

A strong technical background related to space electronics and hardware development along with program management experience balancing scope, risk, schedule, and budget is required. Specific technical experience with telecom or software-defined radios is strongly preferred.

The Civil & Commercial Space Division at Space Dynamics Laboratory is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip Government and commercial space missions with flight radio telecommunications systems. Our projects provide telecom, ranging, navigation, and timekeeping solutions to significant challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, astrophysics, and commercial missions. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries and commercial missions.

• Develops proposals to provide telecom subsystems to Government and commercial space missions
• Manages internal and external teams in developing flight hardware, FPGA firmware, software, and ground support telecom systems
• Understands and addresses customer needs and issues by direct interface
• Develops and nourishes a strong partner relationship with the customer program management and technical teams
• 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 contract deliverables
• 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 technical and programmatic risks
• Actively trades issues related to scope, technical approach, risk cost, and schedule
• Delivers the contracted result

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline
• 10+ years of technical aerospace or space program experience, 3+ years of which spent in project management or similar experience
• Ability to understand complex technical issues, translate them to workable tasks, and guide technical discussions and decisions
• Experience managing complex space system (electrical, software, mechanical, etc.) development at times with loosely defined requirements
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex environment with equal partners
• Ability to organize and manage a geographically dispersed team that includes SDL and subcontractor team members
• 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 with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance
• Must be able to travel

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or similar discipline
• Experience with space telecommunications systems and hardware and software
• MBA, PMP, or other project management credential

Salary Range

• $132,000 - $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 our 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 systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect,…