Senior Software Program Manager

TalentHammer; Camarillo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentHammer seeks a Senior Software Program Manager to lead software-intensive space programs. You will drive IPT coordination across software, systems, hardware, operations, quality and finance to meet cost, schedule and technical goals.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, program execution across the lifecycle, and close collaboration with software leadership on plans, milestones and staffing. An aerospace/defense background and proven cross-functional leadership are highly valued.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field desirable.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in software development, software engineering management or equivalent.
• Experience planning and delivering software development efforts in aerospace/defense contexts.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum, DevSecOps and CI/CD practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage program cost, schedule and technical performance according to budget and customer requirements.
• Lead IPT through matrix management of software, systems, hardware, operations, quality and finance resources.
• Own software program execution across the development life cycle from requirements to sustainment.
• Coordinate development plans, milestones, staffing, dependencies and completion criteria.
• Monitor software execution using Agile/Scrum, iterative development, backlog/burndown and CI/CD metrics.
• Develop program and risk plans from proposal through delivery.
• Provide EVMS updates and program status including cost and schedule.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Agile/Scrum

Software program management

Stakeholder communication

Multi-team coordination

Education

BS in Engineering or related field

Tools

CI/CD tooling

DevSecOps

Job description

The Senior Software Program Manager is responsible for leading and managing software-intensive space programs and assigned program personnel. The company uses an Integrated Product Team (IPT) process, with personnel assigned from functional departments including software, systems, hardware engineering, operations, quality and finance.

The Senior Program Manager is empowered to lead the team to meet technical, cost and schedule requirements. Candidates with strong software development or software engineering management experience who are ready to transition into broader program management are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Manage program cost, schedule and technical performance according to budget and customer requirements.
• Lead the Integrated Product Team (IPT) through matrix management of Software, Systems, Hardware Engineering, Operations, Quality and Finance resources.
• Own software program execution across the development life cycle, including requirements, architecture/planning, implementation, integration, verification/validation, release and sustainment activities.
• Work with software leadership to establish development plans, sprint/release objectives, milestones, staffing needs, dependencies and completion criteria.
• Monitor software execution using appropriate development methods and metrics, including Agile/Scrum sprints, iterative/spiral development, backlog/burndown, DevSecOps and CI/CD practices as applicable.
• Coordinate software, firmware, FPGA and hardware dependencies and drive timely resolution of integration issues, technical risks and schedule conflicts.
• Manage customer engagement and communication during program execution, including software status, risks, recovery plans and technical/programmatic tradeoffs.
• Develop program and risk plans over the program life cycle, from proposal through delivery.
• Develop overall program plans and work breakdown structures (WBS) in coordination with Engineering and Operations.
• Develop program budgets for labor, material and other direct costs.
• Provide monthly Earned Value Management System (EVMS) updates in coordination with program finance.
• Provide program status including cost and schedule, software/hardware progress, contractual submittals, risks and action items.
• Coordinate internal gated design/program reviews and customer design reviews including EQSR, PDR, CDR and MRR/TRR.
• Conduct regular executive program reviews and ensure timely closure of program activities.
• Support bids and proposals by generating management proposals, statements of compliance, schedules and cost estimates.

Job Requirements

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related technical field is desirable.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in software development, software engineering management, technical project/program leadership, or development of complex aerospace/defense systems.
• Candidates with demonstrated responsibility for planning and delivering software development efforts are eligible even if their prior title was Software Manager, Software Engineering Manager, Technical Project Manager, Scrum/Agile Lead or similar rather than Program Manager.
• Experience managing software development schedules, requirements, integration, verification/validation, releases, risks and cross-functional dependencies.
• Familiarity with spiral/iterative development, Agile/Scrum sprint methods, DevSecOps and CI/CD practices is desired.
• Software systems engineering experience is helpful, including software requirements development and decomposition, system/software architecture, interface definition, requirements traceability and verification/validation planning.
• Software Defined Radio (SDR) development or program experience is highly desirable, particularly involving embedded/real-time software, FPGA/firmware, RF communications or hardware/software integration.
• Experience in the space market, including commercial GEO or defense space programs, is highly desirable.
• Ability to understand and evaluate software, systems, hardware and non-technical documents relating to all aspects of programs.
• Ability to plan, organize, communicate and direct day-to-day program activities while balancing technical, cost and schedule priorities.
• Technical expertise or working knowledge in microwave, RF, communications and/or electronic warfare subsystems or components is desired.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical specifications and legal/contractual documents.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and report accurate schedule/cost status information.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Well organized, able to meet deadlines, manage multiple priorities and operate as a self-starter.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and/or personnel.

TalentHammer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.