PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - SR. PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - Space Electronics

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio/Austin seeks a senior leader to direct space electronics programs from concept to flight-ready systems. You will define requirements, write specs, and drive cross-functional teams in a high-reliability space environment.

Lead technical leadership and customer engagement, shaping mission concepts and securing funded programs across commercial, civil government, and DoD markets. Requires 10+ years in space programs and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Computer/Space Systems/Systems Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years leading technical space programs and projects of significant scope and complexity.
• Proven ability to develop strategic growth areas and multi-year funding with clients.
• Outstanding organizational, management, technical, and interpersonal skills; strong written and verbal communication.
• Valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Direct cross-functional teams to design, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver space electronics systems.
• Resolve technical and schedule issues to keep programs baselined and delivery-ready.
• Conduct formal program control and reporting, including IMS health, cost/EVM, forecasts.
• Lead customer engagement and business development cadence—requirements refinement, proposals, capture plans, and technical presentations.
• Oversee team performance, resourcing, and staff development in space electronics engineering processes and best practices.

Skills

Program leadership

Team leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Communication

Business development

Education

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Space Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering

Job description

05-00304

Who We Are:

We are a world-renowned supplier in advanced spacecraft computing, avionics, and payload processing solutions. Our state-of-the-art research and development center provides complete turn-key systems and solutions to meet the most demanding space applications.

Objectives of this Role:

• Lead execution of mid- to large-scale space electronics programs from concept through integration-ready, flight-worthy systems, delivering predictable cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Work on the full lifecycle design for related flight electronics in high reliability systems for space applications.
• Define requirements, write specifications, perform analysis and implement designs from concept to hardware.
• Lead and work with a team of engineers and technicians.
• Provide technical and program leadership for cutting-edge space electronics ensuring technical rigor, readiness, and seamless system performance and integration.
• Drive business development and strategic planning for space electronics in commercial, civil government, DoD, and international markets, shaping mission concepts and converting opportunities into funded programs.
• Manage program resources, capital equipment, budgets, and governance processes (scope, IMS, risk, EV, policies) to support growth, execution excellence, and strong long-term customer relationships.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Direct cross-functional teams to design, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver space electronics systems.
• Resolve technical and schedule issues to keep programs on baseline and delivery/ integration-ready.
• Conduct formal program control and reporting (IMS health, cost/EVM/burn, forecasts), preparing executive- and customer-ready status briefings, variance analyses, and recovery plans.
• Lead customer engagement and business development cadence—requirements refinement, opportunity shaping, proposals and cost estimates, capture plans, and technical presentations—to win and grow spacecraft programs.
• Oversee team performance and development, including tasking, accountability, resourcing, and mentoring staff in space electronics engineering processes, tools, and best practices.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineer or related Engineering degree field with directly related experience.
• 10+ years: Demonstrated capability to successfully promote and lead technical space programs and projects of significant scope and complexity, typically involving multiple sections or divisions, several clients, and multidisciplinary teams, while meeting/exceeding cost and schedule.
• 10+ years: Proven success in building and sustaining technical or research program areas, including developing new strategic areas of interest with clear potential for future growth and multi-year funding, and a strong record of establishing, maintaining, and expanding client relationships.
• 10+ years: Outstanding organizational, management, technical, and interpersonal skills, with excellent verbal and written communication and a track record of effectively leading others, administering to their technical and professional development needs.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas Or Austin, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Space Systems home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.