Civil Space Mission Program Manager

Job ID: 5987
Date Posted: January 22, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a mission-level Senior Program Manager with background in managing and developing complex aerospace systems for NASA missions, or equivalent, to join our Civil & Commercial Space Division. The selected candidate will lead the pursuit and execution of complex NASA missions in a mission manager role for projects involving multiple instruments, spacecrafts, and mission operations.  

The selected candidate will work as part of a larger team with NASA customers, principal investigators, external partners and vendors, scientists, developers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel.

Much of each day will be spent in spirited technical discussion. The selected candidate will lead a group of project management staff, several dozen engineers, and support staff to provide timely and cost-effective solutions to government and commercial customers. A technical background, extensive program management experience with schedules and budgets, and NASA mission management experience (or equivalent) are required. Experience working with NASA Headquarters and NASA centers is highly preferred. 

The Civil & Commercial Space Division at Space Dynamics Laboratory is at the forefront of scientific research and space exploration. We equip major Government and commercial missions with calibrated state-of-the-art sensors and satellites. We also provide world-class AI&T technologies and mission management. Our projects include challenges across planetary science, Earth observation, heliophysics, and astrophysics. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in space and contributes to monumental scientific discoveries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops mission level proposals in pursuit of primarily NASA opportunities, but also other non-NASA opportunities
• Manages internal and external teams in the development of instruments, spacecraft, and mission operations centers
• Interfaces with principal investigators in development of future missions
• Understands and addresses customer needs and issues, usually by direct interface
• Develops and nourishes a strong partner relationship with the customer program management and engineering leadership teams
• Leads complex system development by organizing and focusing the work of multiple engineers with diverse specialties on a common technical solution
• Mentors less experienced program managers
• Ensures the technical team has clear deliverables with clear deadlines
• Defines “done” and keeps the team focused on the mission
• Coordinates with multiple corporate and government agencies to execute the contract
• Assembles and directs corporate resources toward execution of the contract
• Identifies, tracks, avoids, and mitigates risks
• Trades issues of scope, approach, cost, and schedule
• Delivers the contracted result

• Comprehensive understanding of NASA acquisition process, from Step 1 through Phase E
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline
• 15+ years of technical program experience, 5+ years of which were spent in project management roles
• Ability to understand complex technical issues, translate them to workable tasks, and guide technical discussions and decisions
• Experience managing complex space system (electrical, mechanical, optical) development with loosely defined requirements
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex environment with equal partners
• Ability to organize and manage a geographically dispersed team that includes SDL and subcontractor team members
• Demonstrated experience with EVMS
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment while making direct contributions to team success
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance
• Must be able to travel

• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
• PMP or other project management credential

• $156,000 - $197,000
  • Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [email protected].