Program Manager

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

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Software Program Manager to support development and sustainment of complex software for satellite ground operations. The role blends technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and project execution to deliver high-reliability software crucial to national security and space missions.

The Program Manager will work within a team of customers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in technical engineering, science, or a relevant field.
• 10+ years in software program or project management.
• Experience managing complex software projects through full development lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge 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 and cloud (Azure/AWS/Google).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to support proposals with technical writing and subcontractor evaluation.
• Must be a U.S. citizen able to obtain security clearance.
• Willing to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional software development teams delivering ground system capabilities including 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 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.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Agile / Hybrid PM

Technical writing

Proposal management support

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical engineering

MBA with technical BS

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Job description

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. This role bridges technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and project execution, ensuring delivery of high-reliability software critical to national security and space missions.

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.

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 U.S. 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

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 U.S. locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.