R&D Manager - Space Control Futures, Onsite

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Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

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• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance

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Sandia National Laboratories is seeking an enthusiastic and strategic leader to serve as the R&D Manager for the newly envisioned Space Control Futures Department (6376). The Space Mission Program (Center 6300) continues to experience rapid growth in the space control mission area. As a Space Mission Engineering Program Office (SMEPO) program manager, this role is central to shaping the future of space control at Sandia—strengthening sponsor relationships, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring execution of funded programs.

Working in close partnership with the SMEPO program office, the manager will be responsible for both program development and project execution in this rapidly expanding business area.

The ideal candidate combines technical credibility with program development acumen, bringing experience across space control disciplines and the ability to cultivate new partnerships. You will be responsible for building a team of scientists and engineers whose expertise may span physics, systems engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, RF, cyber, data science, and computer science. Your leadership will ensure technical excellence while positioning SMEPO for sustainable growth and increased mission impact.

On any given day, you may be asked to:

• Set strategic direction by aligning technical capabilities with emerging mission needs and influencing investment priorities.
• Build and sustain sponsor relationships by identifying new opportunities and securing future work for Sandia.
• Collaborate with peer managers and program offices to deliver modeling, simulation, analysis, software, and hardware products to defense and intelligence community sponsors—on schedule and to Sandia’s standards of quality.
• Manage and mentor a team of innovative scientists and engineers, including recruiting, retention, performance management, engagement, career development, and aligning staff skills with project needs.
• Travel for sponsor meetings and offsite engagements (approximately every 4‑8 weeks).

For 75 years, Sandia has delivered on its charter, as outlined by President Truman in 1949: “To render exceptional service in the national interest.” This role requires a growth mindset and a forward‑looking perspective to imagine what Sandia can deliver for national security in the future. Program management roles such as this are strong steppingstones to broader leadership opportunities.

Due to the nature of this position, the selected candidate will be required to work onsite at our primary facility in Albuquerque, NM.

$163,700 - $278,000

* Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and eight (8) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and…