Director, Space Payloads Project Manager

About the role

The Proliferated Space Systems Division within the Leidos Space Business Area currently has an opening for a Space Payload Program Manager to work in our San Diego, CA or Huntsville, AL office.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Must have a Bachelor’s degree and 17+ years of prior relevant experience or a Masters with 15+ years of prior relevant experience.
• Experience in successfully managing firm fixed price development programs $100M+ in size.
• 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.
• Experience in managing space payload programs (R&D, prototype, low volume production).
• Vehicle/platform integration experience and/or test and evaluation.
• Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of successfully resolving complex project issues.

Qualifications

• Active possession of a Top-Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain.
• Masters degree in a relevant field.
• Experience translating functional requirements into tasks.
• Experience in managing space payload programs (R&D, prototype, low-volume production).
• Vehicle/platform integration experience and/or test and evaluation.
• Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of successfully resolving complex project issues.

Skills

• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Operate independently with limited supervision and feedback.
• Strong team player.
• Establish solid working relationships with technical staff members and peers within the division as well as our external Government customers.
• Articulate the technical challenges to executive leadership and works closely with the engineering team to identify and understand technical risk and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken to mitigate the risks.

Benefits

Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

Pay

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

Schedule

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.