Senior Space Programs Lead — PMO & Delivery

Trident Systems; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Holidays

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Leaves

Annual discretionary bonus

Job summary

Trident Systems is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead complex space electronics programs from development through production. You will own program performance across cost, schedule, and risk, while serving as the primary interface to customers and coordinating with a Lead Systems Engineer for technical execution.

The role requires a hands-on PM who thrives in hardware development environments, building structure in dynamic programs and mentoring other PMs within the PMO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) and 12+ years (or Master's and 10+) of relevant experience.
• Experience managing space or aerospace programs, ideally involving electronic systems or hardware development.
• Proven success managing government programs (FAR-based contracts, multiple CLINs).
• Strong background in program financials, planning, and execution.
• Experience leading product development programs (design prototype production).
• Working knowledge of government contract types.
• PMP certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Responsibilities

• Lead one or more space flight programs, ensuring successful execution.
• Drive program performance to meet commitments, including ownership of cost, schedule, and risk management.
• Develop and maintain an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), including: Critical path identification, Milestone forecasting, Resource-loaded planning.
• Establish and manage labor and non-labor resource plans, including: Defining required skill sets, Forecasting staffing needs and timing.
• Identify engineering resource needs to support program execution.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance to ensure aligned execution.
• Drive subcontractor performance and accountability to meet program commitments.
• Set expectations and ensure alignment across SEIT and broader engineering teams.
• Maintain an accurate risk and opportunity matrix with burn-down plans, mitigation, and tracking.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, ensuring strong communication and satisfaction.
• Oversee program financials, forecasting, and reporting.
• Support proposal efforts and contribute to program growth opportunities.
• Mentor and develop other Program Managers within the PMO.

Skills

Program management

Government contracts (FAR)

Budgeting / financials

Customer-facing communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Trident Systems is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead complex space electronics programs from development through production. You will own program performance across cost, schedule, and risk, while serving as the primary interface to customers and coordinating with a Lead Systems Engineer for technical execution.

The role requires a hands-on PM who thrives in hardware development environments, building structure in dynamic programs and mentoring other PMs within the PMO.