Senior Manager Spacecraft Programmes

Requisition Number: 20356 | Contract Type: Permanent | Location: Sterling, VA, US

Role Description Summary

The role shall lead space procurement programs with NGIS – Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. This includes leading technical and programmatic activities associated with the management of SES Spacecraft Procurement Programs at NGIS. The incumbent shall be responsible to manage the SES Field Office team located at NGIS manufacturing facilities in Sterling, Virginia, to ensure the SES procurement programs are delivered on quality, on time and full compliance to contractual requirements. In addition, the incumbent shall work in close collaboration with the team members of Engineering & Operations, Finance, Legal, Sales as well as other department teams to optimize SES’ business objectives related to satellite, launcher, insurance, operation, ground segment, application and customer needs. This involves managing a team of industry experts, liaising with internal and external stakeholders to lobby and negotiate for optimum value for money and on‑time delivery of SES satellites under procurement and highly effective delivery on strategic goals of the company. The role also involves the evaluation of new satellite proposals, negotiation of contractual requirements and technical specifications and supporting negotiations of terms and conditions, when required. Cultivation of a culture of continuous innovation both within SES and within the vendor organization, while continuously striving to achieve important organization goals, grows the SES’ reputation for innovation and maintains SES' reputation for technical excellence.

Primary Responsibilities / Key Result Areas

• Program Lead, including stakeholder and people management, internal communication on progress, budget responsibility and milestone achievement accountability.
• Ensure the SES Spacecraft Procurement activities at Northrop Grumman meet quality, cost and schedule goals.
• Lead and coach the Field Office Team at Northrop Grumman, based in Sterling, VA.
• Negotiate contract change notices with minimum delay to satellite delivery.
• Review and approve milestone payments, RFDs and RFWs.
• Ensure all satellites are built and tested to meet high reliability and performance requirements.
• Apply lessons learned and corrective actions from previous SES programs.
• Ensure successful launch of satellites.
• Identify and resolve spacecraft programmatic issues that could adversely impact SES business.
• Develop long‑term partnership with Northrop Grumman through reliable technical collaboration.
• Maintain and develop strong strategic relationships with Northrop Grumman and major industrial suppliers to accelerate market opportunities.
• Attract and develop talented engineers toward principal engineer and future program manager roles.
• Support insurance and business teams.
• Participate in vendor negotiation process and lead the technical definition part when required.
• Influence, convince stakeholders and arbitrate technical specifications and requirements against cost and IRR considerations.

Competencies

• Ability to influence senior executives and industry experts.
• Commitment to maintaining SES reputation for outstanding technical excellence.
• Leadership, people management, motivation, and retention skills.
• High‑level competency in all technical aspects of satellite procurement, integration and testing.
• Objective, rational and multidisciplinary thinking.
• Ability to react to contingencies, face problems and conflicts quickly.
• Courage, integrity and trust built on mutual respect with satellite manufacturers.
• Willingness to be self‑critical and learn from mistakes.
• Solid business acumen to understand SES markets, customers and services.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree with at least 10 years of applicable experience in Space Engineering.
• Proven people management experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of satellite design, assembly integration & test, cost and schedule trades and program management.
• Track record in leading, coaching and inspiring people.
• Applied knowledge in programme management of complex, multifaceted projects involving external parties.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, influencing and persuasion skills at all levels.

Pay

The USA salary range for this full‑time position is $148,000 – $200,000. Compensation within the range is determined based on work location, skills, experience, qualifications, and relevant education or training. Additional compensation and benefits may apply depending on the location and terms of employment.