IRAD Program Manager

SEAKR Engineering; Centennial (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SEAKR Engineering, LLC is seeking an IRAD Manager to lead program management and translate roadmaps and concepts into efficient IRAD plans. You will drive execution through collaboration with cross-functional space electronics experts, reporting to the Technical Director.

The successful candidate will manage IRAD execution, ensure proper statements of work, and align projects with federal funding rules. This role requires strategic leadership and strong collaboration with senior engineering

Qualifications

• Program Leadership: Lead complex technical programs from concept to delivery.
• IRAD Expertise: Deep knowledge of IRAD and technical developments.
• Operations Knowledge: Understanding of internal operations related to engineering workflows.
• Tool Proficiency: Proficient with MS Project, Jira, Word, Excel.
• Decision Making: Make decisions aligned with company policies.
• Analytical Skills: Analyze situations and suggest improvements.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee SEAKR’s IRAD execution to meet budget and schedule.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director, Portfolio Chief Engineer, and Engineering Fellows.
• Ensure compliance with federal funding rulesets and statements of work.
• Support capital investments that align with IRAD plans and long-term strategy.
• Standardize processes for IRAD initiatives and project management.
• Align IRAD work with market needs and customer requirements.
• Provide a clear escalation path for technical issues.
• Coordinate radiation testing with the Radiation Manager to meet standards.
• Deliver quarterly reports on budget, metrics, TRLs, and IRAD status.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation.

Skills

Program Leadership

IRAD Expertise

Operations Knowledge

Tool Proficiency

Decision Making

Analytical Skills

Tools

Microsoft Project

Jira

Word

Excel

Job description

Company Description

Join SEAKR Engineering, a leading-edge provider of advanced electronics for space applications. Pushing the boundaries of technology on a mission to change the world for the better from space.

Job Description

SEAKR® Engineering, LLC (SEAKR) is seeking a proven leader and technical visionary to fulfill the IRAD Manager role. This is a critical growth position within SEAKR. The successful candidate will report directly to the Technical Director.

In this key position, you will provide program management to realize the Technical Director’s roadmaps, architectures, and concepts into efficient IRAD (Independent Research and Development) plans. You will drive the execution of these items through collaboration with cross-functional teams of highly capable space electronics experts. This role is essential for bringing next-generation technologies to SEAKR and to the market.

If you are highly motivated, love challenging yourself, demand excellence, and thrive in a rapid-paced environment managing multiple internally defined programs, this position is for you!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Execution: Manage and oversee SEAKR’s technical IRAD execution efforts to bring technologies, products, and solutions to our engineering, product development, program execution, and production efforts.
• Strategic Collaboration: Collaborate closely with SEAKR’s Technical Director, Portfolio Chief Engineer, and Engineering Fellows to advance the state of practice in space-based electronics, systems, and payload capabilities.
• Compliance & Funding: Execute IRAD projects to cost and schedule given program execution constraints, ensuring clear statements of work and strict compliance with federal funding rulesets.
• Capital Investment Support: Collaborate with SEAKR's VP of Engineering to support capital investments that align with IRAD plans and long-term strategy.
• Standardization: Work with the Program Management Office to ensure consistency and standardization of processes applicable to IRAD initiatives.
• Market Alignment: Help SEAKR win programs in existing and new markets through robust execution of IRADs timed precisely with market needs and customer requirements.
• Issue Escalation: Provide a clear path for internal company customers to elevate technical issues and share challenges regarding technical problems.
• Testing Coordination: Drive radiation testing coordination in collaboration with the Radiation Manager to ensure hardware meets space-grade standards.
• Leadership Reporting: Support SEAKR's Leadership team by providing quarterly reports on Budget, execution metrics, Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and overall IRAD status.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including risk registers, milestone trackers, and technical deliverables.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Adhere to SEAKR rules and regulations as documented in the SEAKR Employee Handbook and applicable operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technical Director or Senior Leadership.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Program Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programs from concept to delivery.
• IRAD Expertise: Deep knowledge of all elements of IRAD and technical developments, including foundational technology development, multi-disciplinary systems engineering, and internal relationship management.
• Operations Knowledge: Understanding of company internal operations as they relate to engineering and technology workflows.
• Tool Proficiency: Working knowledge of project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira) and standard office suites (Word, Excel).
• Decision Making: Ability to make decisions in accordance with company policies and practices.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to effectively analyze situations and recommend process improvements.