Senior Space Systems Program Leader

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio/Austin seeks a senior leader to direct space electronics programs from concept to flight-ready systems. You will define requirements, write specs, and drive cross-functional teams in a high-reliability space environment.

Lead technical leadership and customer engagement, shaping mission concepts and securing funded programs across commercial, civil government, and DoD markets. Requires 10+ years in space programs and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Computer/Space Systems/Systems Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years leading technical space programs and projects of significant scope and complexity.
• Proven ability to develop strategic growth areas and multi-year funding with clients.
• Outstanding organizational, management, technical, and interpersonal skills; strong written and verbal communication.
• Valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Direct cross-functional teams to design, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver space electronics systems.
• Resolve technical and schedule issues to keep programs baselined and delivery-ready.
• Conduct formal program control and reporting, including IMS health, cost/EVM, forecasts.
• Lead customer engagement and business development cadence—requirements refinement, proposals, capture plans, and technical presentations.
• Oversee team performance, resourcing, and staff development in space electronics engineering processes and best practices.

Skills

Program leadership

Team leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Communication

Business development

Education

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Space Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering

Job description

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio/Austin seeks a senior leader to direct space electronics programs from concept to flight-ready systems. You will define requirements, write specs, and drive cross-functional teams in a high-reliability space environment.

Lead technical leadership and customer engagement, shaping mission concepts and securing funded programs across commercial, civil government, and DoD markets. Requires 10+ years in space programs and strong communication.