Technical Project Manager, Space Innovation Projects

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.

 

Job Number: 1403

Riverside Research Institute is seeking a Technical Project Manager to support the Defense Innovation Unit's Space Portfolio. The candidate will lead multiple, technically complex space-based prototype projects aimed at solving current and emerging national security challenges. The position will collaborate with teams of scientists, engineers, academics and others across the defense and commercial technology ecosystems. 

Location: 

Location is flexible, but ideally Mountain View/Bay area, Washington, DC, Boston, Austin, Chicago, Florida, or other US-based technology innovation ecosystems.

Duties:

• Identify DoD problems that could be solved by emerging technology in the commercial space, remote sensing, and defense industry
• Design, lead, and manage prototype projects leveraging Other Transactions and related authorities
• Create and lead collaborative teams of DoD and commercial entities partnered to successfully deliver commercial solutions to DoD customers
• Develop program goals, milestones and plans for implementation collaboratively with DoD entities, customers, and program offices
• Build relationships with critical segments of commercial and non-traditional vendor hot-spots, to include tech entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalists, and academics
• Support enhancement of scientific collaboration, knowledge sharing and research for the space commercial and defense communities 
• Prepares white papers, briefs and meeting minutes
• Responds to official requests for information and other tasks from DoD Partners and stakeholders
• Participate in key intra- and inter-agency meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of professional technical and programmatic experience in research, development, design, and fabrication of space-based technology, systems, or platforms 
• Bachelors degree in technical, engineering, or scientific field (e.g. aerospace, aeronautical, astronautical, mechanical engineering or related fields)
• Experience as technical project manager or commercial product manager 
• Knowledge of prototyping best practices employed by commercial, industry, and government sectors
• Proven record of successfully managing technology development efforts from concept ideation through product delivery
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance
• Proven ability to lead diverse project teams and provide status reporting, briefings, and assessments to internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in rapid-needs assessment processes and the proven ability to convert problems and capability gaps to fielded systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and expert client-handling skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in technical, engineering, or scientific field
• Prior experience supporting government and/or commercial technology development teams to rapidly iterate and deliver project tasks and milestones
• Professional certifications in project management, contracting, requirements management, and/or lifecycle logistics (e.g. PMP, DAWIA)
• Operational experience with space planning, operations, policy, and military strategy for DoD
• Familiarity with DoD organizations such as U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command, Space Development Agency, DARPA, NASA, and Air Force Research Laboratory 
• Active TS clearance 

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

 

Our salary ranges are market-driven and set to allow for flexibility. Individual pay will be competitive based on a candidate’s unique set of knowledge, skills, and geographic diversity, with earnings potential commensurate with experience. The range for this position is: $170,000 to $225,000.

 

Riverside Research strives to be one of America's premier providers of independent, trusted technical and scientific expertise. We continue to add experienced and technically astute staff who are highly motivated to help our DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) customers deliver world class programs. As a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, we believe service to customers and support of our staff is our mission. Our goal is to serve as a destination company by providing an industry-leading, positive, and rewarding employee experience for all who jo