Senior Program Manager

MDA Space; Richmond; On-site; CAD 135,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation during recruitment

Job summary

MDA Space in Canada seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead a satellite ground segment program, coordinating bids, schedules, budgets, and resources. You will guide the program team, engage with customers, and report progress to senior management.

A strong background in program management and leadership is essential, with travel required and eligibility for security clearances. The role offers a competitive compensation package, a path to growth, and the chance to contribute to Canada’s space

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in program/project management or leadership in a related technical field.
• Experience with negotiations, risk management, contract management, subcontract management, financials, and US ITAR regulations.
• Excellent people and leadership skills.
• Travel required.

Responsibilities

• Develop bids and proposals, including customer liaison, solution, cost estimation, and review.
• Negotiate with the customer, reach agreement on key requirements and objectives of the program, and manage funding, resources, and methods required while balancing budget and schedule constraints.
• Provide guidance, direction, and decision‑making to the program team; maintain program visibility at the customer level through regular technical, management, and progress meetings.
• Maintain detailed program schedules and track progress.
• Conduct frequent assessments of costs‑to‑date and estimates‑to‑complete, and develop workaround plans to achieve cost and schedule objectives.
• Ensure staffing levels and competencies match program needs; organize and apply required resources, negotiating with line managers and other programs as necessary.
• Develop a cadre of capable subcontractors and suppliers to ensure supply requirements throughout the program life cycle.
• Identify and manage program risks and opportunities.
• Maintain hands‑on control of the program through regular reviews, staff meetings, and related activities.
• Maintain visibility of the program to senior management through monthly reviews and briefings as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Negotiation

Risk management

Contract management

Subcontract management

Financial management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Job description

Position Description

We are seeking a dynamic, self‑motivated Senior Program Manager with excellent communication and people skills, and with a proven background in managing a satellite ground segment program.

Responsibilities

• Develop bids and proposals, including customer liaison, solution, cost estimation, and review.
• Negotiate with the customer, reach agreement on key requirements and objectives of the program, and manage funding, resources, and methods required while balancing budget and schedule constraints.
• Provide guidance, direction, and decision‑making to the program team; maintain program visibility at the customer level through regular technical, management, and progress meetings.
• Maintain detailed program schedules and track progress.
• Conduct frequent assessments of costs‑to‑date and estimates‑to‑complete, and develop workaround plans to achieve cost and schedule objectives.
• Ensure staffing levels and competencies match program needs; organize and apply required resources, negotiating with line managers and other programs as necessary.
• Develop a cadre of capable subcontractors and suppliers to ensure supply requirements throughout the program life cycle.
• Identify and manage program risks and opportunities.
• Maintain hands‑on control of the program through regular reviews, staff meetings, and related activities.
• Maintain visibility of the program to senior management through monthly reviews and briefings as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
• 12+ years of experience in program/project management or leadership in a related technical field.
• Experience with negotiations, risk management, contract management, subcontract management, financials, and US ITAR regulations.
• Excellent people and leadership skills.
• Travel required.

Comments / Special Considerations

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

Benefits

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care, including extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans, and an employee and family assistance program.

The compensation range for this position is $135,000 - $186,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

MDA is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application or cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

MDA is an equal opportunity employer that prizes diversity, integrity, and collaboration, and is committed to growing MDA’s and Canada’s leadership in this next golden age.