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Program Manager, Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), IS-340-15
Smithsonian InstitutionUnited Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 18 Mar 2026
💰 $197,200/yr($167,560/yr – $197,200/yr)
About the role
Program Manager, Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), IS-340-15
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Cambridge, MA
Compensation: $167,560 - $197,200 / year
Description
OPENING DATE: April 17, 2026
CLOSING DATE: June 15, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: PROGRAM MANAGER IS-340-15
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the U.S.
SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
CLOSING DATE: June 15, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: PROGRAM MANAGER IS-340-15
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the U.S.
SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
- This position requires access to export-controlled work. The candidate must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, approved asylee, or refugee) or a national of a country eligible for an export license who is eligible to work in the US.
- The incumbent of this position is required to file a Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interests (SI Form 1085).
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The purpose of the position is to provide overall program direction and technical leadership to the development of the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) and other instrumentation projects for the next generation Giant Magellan Telescope, and potentially to the development of other new or upgraded scientific instruments for astronomical and astrophysical data collection for existing ground-based telescopes.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The purpose of the position is to provide overall program direction and technical leadership to the development of the GMT-Consortium Large Earth Finder (G-CLEF) and other instrumentation projects for the next generation Giant Magellan Telescope, and potentially to the development of other new or upgraded scientific instruments for astronomical and astrophysical data collection for existing ground-based telescopes.
MAJOR DUTIES
Directs the day-to-day management of assigned complex instrumentation projects. Works with Principal Investigators and Project Engineers to ensure that tasks, procurements, and other project actions are progressing as planned. Maintains and tracks action and risk registers. Works with project staff and subcontractors to update and status the project schedule. Serves as the primary technical point of contact in establishing, and during the execution of, major subcontracts. Coordinates with SAO GMTO projects’ Business Manager and other administrative/management staff t
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