Program Manager

Job ID: 5805A
Date Posted: February 20, 2026

The Civil & Commercial Space Division at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) 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. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across 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.

SDL’s Civil and Commercial Space Division is seeking applicants for project managers with backgrounds in managing and developing complex optomechanical spacecraft instrument systems. The successful applicant will be responsible for managing the day-to-day program needs for space satellite and/or sensor systems as well as rolling up their sleeves and mixing it up with the technical team. The program manager will work as part of a larger team with customers, external partners and vendors, scientists, developers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel. The ideal candidate will have experience managing space system development with an emphasis in optical/camera systems. Much of each day will be spent in spirited technical discussion. You will lead a group of several dozen engineers and support staff to provide timely and cost-effective solutions to Government and Commercial customers. A technical background along with extensive program management experience with schedules and budgets is required. 

Key Responsibilities:

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

1. 5+ years of technical program experience
2. Masters in a degree field that is applicable to engineering systems, or a bachelor’s degree with an additional 5 years of experience
3. Ability to understand complex technical issues, translate them to workable tasks, and guide technical discussions and decisions
4. Experience managing complex space system (electrical, mechanical, optical) development with loosely defined requirements
5. Demonstrated supervisory experience
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex environment with equal partners
7. Proficiency in task management
8. Ability to organize and manage a geographically dispersed team that includes SDL and subcontractor team members
9. Experience developing program schedules and controlling budgets to meet required deadlines
10. Ability to work in a team-oriented environment while making direct contributions to team success
11. Strong verbal and written communication skills
12. Must be  a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
13. Must be able to travel

1. Technical engineering or science degree
2. PMP or other management credential
3. Experience with EVMS
4. Experience with DoD or NASA technical