Senior Program Manager

Lumira Search; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly scaling space technology company is in search of a Senior Technical Program Manager to oversee complex spacecraft and hardware development programs. With over 8 years of experience in aerospace, candidates should have strong knowledge of systems engineering and be able to influence stakeholders effectively. The role involves managing end-to-end execution of initiatives from concept through launch readiness, leading cross-disciplinary teams, and proactively mitigating technical risks. This position is crucial for achieving production milestones within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace or high-reliability hardware programs.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles.
• Experience in fast-paced or growth-stage environments.
• Experience in fast-paced growth-stage or NewSpace environments.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead without direct authority.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s preferred).

Responsibilities

• Drive execution of spacecraft and hardware development.
• Lead program across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Identify and mitigate programmatic and technical risks.
• Drive technical trade discussions and ensure program decisions align with cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Lead design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), test readiness reviews, and executive program reporting.
• Identify programmatic and technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Partner with finance and operations to manage budgets, forecasting, and production ramp planning.
• Act as a key interface with customers, partners, and senior leadership, translating technical complexity into clear program status.

Skills

Program management

Systems engineering

Risk management

Stakeholder influence

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master's preferred

Job description

Senior Technical Program Manager – Space Systems

Our client is a rapidly scaling, venture-backed space technology company developing advanced satellite platforms and high-reliability hardware for commercial and government missions. With multiple programs transitioning from development into qualification and production, the company is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to drive execution across its most critical system-level initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

• Own end-to-end execution of complex spacecraft and hardware development programs from concept through launch readiness.
• Serve as the primary program lead across multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring alignment across systems, mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, resource plans, and risk management frameworks.
• Drive technical trade discussions and ensure program decisions are aligned with cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Lead design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR), test readiness reviews, and executive program reporting.
• Proactively identify programmatic and technical risks, implementing mitigation strategies early.
• Partner with finance and operations to manage budgets, forecasting, and production ramp planning.
• Act as a key interface with customers, partners, and senior leadership, translating technical complexity into clear program status.

What We’re Looking For:

• 8+ years of experience managing complex aerospace, space, or high-reliability hardware programs.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles, systems engineering principles, and qualification processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading programs through major milestones (design, integration, test, launch, or production ramp).
• Experience operating in fast-paced, growth-stage or NewSpace environments.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead without direct authority.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s preferred).

If this sounds like a role you’d like to explore, please reach out for a confidential conversation.