Spacecraft Program Manager

About the role

This organization is dedicated to delivering cost-effective, high-performance spacecraft that support Earth observation, communications, technology demonstrations, scientific research, and space exploration. We are seeking a Spacecraft Program Manager to lead the development, production, and delivery of small satellite missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance throughout the complete spacecraft program lifecycle, from concept development through delivery to the launch service provider.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Cook up cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, integration, software, production, and other functional organizations to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Monitor program performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout program execution.
• Communicate project status, milestones, technical updates, and program risks to customers, senior leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Lead customer meetings, technical reviews, and program status discussions to support decision-making and project alignment.
• Collaborate with hardware and software engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize spacecraft design, integration, and overall mission performance.
• Support regulatory agency application processes required for spacecraft missions.
• Identify, assess, and manage program risks while developing mitigation strategies to ensure successful mission outcomes.
• Support business development activities by developing project budgets, schedules, resource estimates, and risk assessments for new opportunities.
• Secure the personnel, equipment, materials, and other resources necessary for successful program execution.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of technical experience, preferably supporting small satellite or spacecraft programs.
• Strong understanding of the complete spacecraft lifecycle, from contract award through launch.
• Knowledge of spacecraft assembly, integration, and environmental testing activities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound technical and programmatic decisions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage customers, executives, engineering teams, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong project management experience utilizing industry-standard project management tools and methodologies.
• Tech knowledge of satellite system design, integration, testing, manufacturing, and mission operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering and production teams.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to spacecraft development.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is a plus.
• Ability to obtain any required security clearances to support U.S. Government programs.