Program Manager

Space Dynamics Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 141,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory in Albuquerque, NM seeks an experienced Software Program Manager to lead ground system software efforts for TT&C, mission planning, automation, and data processing.

You will manage full lifecycle, coordinate with engineers, operators, sponsors, and government customers; travel up to 25%; require US citizenship and be able to obtain clearance; strong PM/tools and cloud knowledge essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a relevant field.
• 10+ years of experience in software program or project management.
• Proven success managing complex software projects through full development lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of ground system architecture and satellite operations.
• Familiarity with Agile or hybrid project management frameworks.
• Proficiency with PM tools (Jira, Confluence, MS Project).
• Familiarity with government acquisition processes.
• Technical knowledge of scalable cloud architectures (Azure/AWS/GC).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Must be a US citizen with ability to obtain/maintain clearance and travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional software development teams delivering ground system capabilities.
• Manages project lifecycle from concept through operations with scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets.
• Interfaces with engineers, system architects, satellite operators, and sponsors.
• Oversees risk management, change control, and related processes.
• Coordinates software integration and testing activities.
• Facilitates agile/scrum or hybrid program management methodologies.
• Ensures compliance with government and quality standards.
• Tracks and reports program status, technical progress, and resources to leadership.

Skills

Project management

Software lifecycle

Agile methodologies

Stakeholder communication

Ground system architecture

Cloud platforms

PM tools

Government processes

Security clearance readiness

Travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science

MBA (preferred)

PMP or PMI certification (preferred)

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Azure

AWS

Google Cloud

Job description

Job ID: 8687 • Date Posted: July 14, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Software Program Manager to support the development and sustainment of complex software systems supporting satellite ground operations. The Program Manager will work as part of a larger team with customers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel. The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. The role bridges technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and project execution, ensuring delivery of high‑reliability software critical to national security and space missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads cross‑functional software development teams delivering ground system capabilities including telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), mission planning, automation, and data processing
• Manages project lifecycle from concept through operations ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met
• Interfaces with internal and external stakeholders including software engineers, system architects, satellite operators, and government sponsors
• Oversees risk management, change control, and related management processes
• Coordinates software integration and testing activities
• Facilitates agile/scrum or hybrid program management methodologies
• Ensures compliance with applicable government and quality standards
• Tracks and reports program status, technical progress, and resource allocation to senior leadership and customers

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in technical engineering, science, or relevant degree
• 10+ years of experience in software program or project management
• Proven success managing complex software projects through full development lifecycle
• Strong understanding of ground system architecture and satellite operations
• Familiarity with Agile and/or hybrid project management frameworks
• Proficiency with PM tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project)
• Familiarity with government acquisition processes
• Technical domain knowledge of scalable architecture, distributed infrastructure in Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to support new proposal efforts with technical writing, proposal management support, subcontractor evaluation, and other duties as requested
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Must be able to travel (up to 25%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or Information Systems; Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a technical Bachelor of Science degree
• PMP or PMI certification
• At least 2 years in satellite or space system domains
• 10+ years of project management experience in aerospace including experience managing software for space operations centers, antenna tasking, and mission control systems
• Active security clearance

Salary Range

• $141,000 - $200,000
  Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience