Senior Space Payloads Program Lead - DoD-Driven

Leidos; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Space is seeking a Space Payload Program Manager to lead the end-to-end management of OPIR payload programs in the San Diego, CA area. The role focuses on delivering high-assurance payloads for DoD customers, coordinating across engineering, contracts, and supply chain to meet aggressive schedules.

The ideal candidate has extensive program management experience in aerospace/defense, with a track record of managing multi-hundred‑million dollar contracts, risk mitigation, and customer

Qualifications

• Active DoD clearance or higher.
• Bachelor’s degree with 17+ years experience or Master’s with 15+ years of experience.
• Experience managing firm fixed price development programs $100M+ in size.
• Proven aerospace/defense PM experience including electro/optical product design, development, fabrication, and test.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement with senior management and clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end management of space payload programs from concept through delivery, aligning with DoD requirements and company objectives.
• Oversee development, testing, and integration of space payloads with cross-functional teams to meet milestones on time and within budget.
• Establish program management processes including WBS, IMS, Risk/Opportunity, and EVM cost management.
• Capture new business by developing RFIs and BOEs and approving proposals on behalf of program management.
• Negotiate SOW, T&Cs, and price with subcontractors and customers; serve as primary client contact.

Skills

Program management

DoD requirements

Systems engineering

Risk management

EVM cost management

Customer engagement

Staffing

Procurement

Subcontract management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Leidos Space is seeking a Space Payload Program Manager to lead the end-to-end management of OPIR payload programs in the San Diego, CA area. The role focuses on delivering high-assurance payloads for DoD customers, coordinating across engineering, contracts, and supply chain to meet aggressive schedules.

The ideal candidate has extensive program management experience in aerospace/defense, with a track record of managing multi-hundred‑million dollar contracts, risk mitigation, and customer