Satellite Program Office Project Lead

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Chantilly, VA leads a mission-critical satellite program, partnering with Government Program Managers to guide acquisition, engineering, and operations. A proven team of acquisition leads, system engineers, and SMEs reports to the Satellite Program Office Lead to ensure on-time launch and reliable space operations.

The role requires experience across DoD/IC satellite programs, strong briefing skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 18+ years of experience; Master’s with 16+ years; PhD/JD with 15+ years.
• At least 6 years on a government or commercial satellite program as Program Manager, Program Office Lead or lead systems engineer.
• 5 years supervising staff and coordinating with Contract PM and Corporate leadership.
• Strong briefing and writing skills; ability to engage with senior decision makers.

Responsibilities

• Guide satellite programs through acquisition, engineering, and operational trades to achieve on-time launch and on-orbit performance.
• Plan staffing and team assignments with SETA PM to meet dynamic customer needs.
• Lead and develop staff; recruit, interview, and assign personnel to critical roles across multiple satellite missions.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Briefing and writing

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree with 18+ years experience

Master's degree with 16+ years experience

PhD or JD with 15+ years experience

Tools

PMP

DAWIA Level 3+

Job description

Description

Join a mission-driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting-edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high-impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.

Job Description

This position is for a Satellite Program Office Project Lead in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Satellite Program Office Lead partners with the Government Program Manager to lead a proven technical team of acquisition leads, system engineers, satellite subject matter experts, and operations staff. In partnership with the Government and SAIC Program Management Team, the Satellite Program Office Lead advises on programmatic, strategic, technical, and staffing decisions to guide the successful acquisition and operations of a critical space program.

Role Responsibilities

• Partner with the Government Military Leader and Program Managers to strategically and tactically guide nationally critical satellite programs through acquisition, engineering, and operational trades to achieve on-time launch and on-orbit performance.
• Partner with SETA PM to proactively plan staffing and team assignments to meet dynamic customer needs.
• Be a servant leader to team leads and individual contributors. Be the voice of the team, collaborate with Govt and SETA mission leadership to recruit, interview, and apply staff to critical acquisition, SE and SME roles across multiple satellite missions, and implement PM guidance to execute the program.
• Develop decision briefings for senior leadership reflecting deep analysis of alternative views and options. Facilitate meetings with SMEs across the program to collect input and develop selectable options.
• Liaise with Prime Developer leadership to maximize information flow with Government leadership. Communicate Government priorities and concerns to Developers. Respond to help needed requests from Developers to cultivate win-win relationships.
• Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.
• Identify and manage risks throughout the acquisition and systems engineering lifecycle by conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring potential impacts on mission objectives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Experience with the Intelligence Community or the Department of Defense Satellite Program Office best practices.
• TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and eighteen (18) years or more experience; Masters and sixteen (16) years or more experience; PhD or JD and fifteen years or more experience.
• At least 6 years experience working on a Government or Commercial satellite program as a program manager, Program Office Lead or lead system engineer.
• 5 years experience as a manager supervising staff including coordinating with Contract PM and Corporate leadership.
• Effective interpersonal skills (across multiple groups, offices, and organizations) and strong briefing and writing skills. Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
• PMI PMP or DAWIA Level 3+ certification a plus.
• Government or Commercial experience as a COTR, PM, PEM or acquisition leader.
• TS/SCI required with ability to obtain CI poly.
• Previous SAP experience desired.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.