Senior Program Manager | SLS Avionics and Software

Senior Program Manager | SLS Avionics and Software

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Program Manager to join our Space Launch System (SLS) team in Huntsville, AL. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) is key to returning the United States to the Moon and sending the first astronauts on to Mars.

Boeing is seeking an experienced and dynamic Avionics and Software Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead to spearhead the development, integration, and testing of avionics systems and software for the Space Launch System Core Stage and Exploration Upper Stage vehicles. The IPT Lead will oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering mission-critical avionics hardware and software solutions, ensuring seamless integration with the rocket’s systems to meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability requirements. This role demands strong technical expertise, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to drive the program’s success from concept through launch. The position reports to the SLS Deputy Program Senior Director. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Leads and mentors a cross-functional team of engineers specializing in avionics hardware, embedded software, systems engineering, and integration, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence, while adhering to Boeing’s Values and Behaviors

• System Design and Development: Oversees the design, development, and integration of avionics systems, including flight control systems, navigation, communication, and onboard computing, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and industry standards

• Software Development Oversight: Manages the development of real-time embedded software for flight control, telemetry, and data processing, ensuring robust, secure, and fault-tolerant code

• Integration and Testing: Coordinates the integration of avionics and software systems with rocket subsystems, leading verification, validation, and testing efforts to ensure performance under all mission conditions

• Program Management: Develops and manages schedules, budgets, and resource plans for the avionics and software IPT, aligning with overall program milestones and objectives

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with other IPTs (e.g., propulsion, structures, systems engineering) to ensure system-level integration and resolve technical challenges

• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and programmatic risks related to avionics and software development, ensuring mission-critical reliability

• Stakeholder Communication: Interfaces with internal stakeholders, external partners, and customers (e.g., NASA, commercial clients) to provide technical updates, manage requirements, and ensure alignment with mission goals

• Compliance and Standards: Ensures all avionics and software deliverables comply with industry standards (e.g., DO-178C for software, MIL-STD-461 for EMI/EMC) and program-specific requirements

• Innovation and Process Improvement: Drives continuous improvement in design, development, and testing processes, leveraging emerging technologies and best practices to enhance system performance and efficiency

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited course of study in engineering, electrical/electronics, aerospace, computer science, mathematics, or physics

• 10+ years’ experience in a leadership role (i.e., manager, project manager, team lead, etc.)

• 5+ years’ experience managing direct reports

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

• Expertise in avionics architecture, including sensors, actuators, communication systems, and onboard computing

• Proficiency in software development processes, including C/C++, Python, or other relevant languages, and familiarity with RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS).

• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, requirements management, and verification/validation processes

• Familiarity with aerospace standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-1553).

• Experience of large-scale aerospace or rocket development programs with flight-critical systems

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, and drive results in a fast-paced environment

• Strong proble