Senior Director, Space Payloads Project Manager

Role Overview

• Lead the end-to-end management of space payload programs, from concept through delivery, ensuring alignment with DoD requirements and company objectives.
• Oversee the development, testing, and integration of space payloads, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Establish program management process and methodologies within the program to include: WBS management, IMS management, Risk and Opportunity management, and EVMS cost management.
• Capture new business by developing RFIs and BOEs, and approve proposals on behalf of program management.
• Negotiate SOW, T&Cs, and price with subcontractors and prospective customers/business partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and reporting on program status, risks, and issues.
• Develop and maintain detailed program plans, schedules, and budgets, tracking progress and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, security, and quality standards pertinent to DoD and space payload operations.
• Facilitate risk management and mitigation strategies, conducting regular risk assessments and maintaining contingency plans.
• Mentor and guide junior program managers and team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of components and services that meet program specifications.
• Ensure program is properly staffed to execute scope of work on time and within budget.
• Establish and maintain program business rhythm.
• Work closely with subcontract program manager to ensure on-time delivery from the subcontractors.
• Oversee development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test of the payload and uses key metrics to ensure the program is on track to promised delivery date.
• May potentially provide supervisory assistance.

Requirements

• Must have an active DoD Secret clearance or higher
• Bachelor’s degree and 17+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 15+ years of prior relevant experience
• Experience in successfully managing firm fixed price development programs $100M+ in size
• Must have proven experience managing complex projects within the aerospace or defense industry, including electro/optical product design, development, fabrication, and test
• Strong understanding and experience executing PM activities: cost (EVMS), schedule, Customer engagement, management of firm fixed price (FFP) contracts
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with senior managements, clients, and technical teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage engineering resources in program execution, including standing up a new team on behalf of an organization or a program
• Prior experience in Systems Engineering or Project Engineering
• Adaptability to new challenges with a strong motivation to grow and learn in new areas.

Tech Stack

• Assembly

Benefits

• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement