Space Electronics Program Manager - Lead Complex Programs

TRIDENT SYSTEMS LLC; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

401(k) matching

Job summary

Trident Systems Space Electronics Systems (SES) division seeks a Program Manager to lead complex space electronics programs from development through production in Fairfax, VA. You will own cost, schedule, and risk while serving as the primary customer interface and partnering with a Lead Systems Engineer to drive delivery and strategic program leadership.

This hands-on role requires experience managing hardware development programs, a track record of governance, and the ability to build

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience/combined education) and 9+ years (or Master’s and 7+) of relevant experience.
• Experience managing space or aerospace‑related 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.
• 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 (skill sets, number of engineers, and timing) 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 Systems Engineering and Integration & Test (SEIT) and broader engineering teams.
• Maintain an accurate and current risk and opportunity matrix, including: Risk burn‑down plans, Mitigation strategies, Opportunity identification 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

Space aerospace programs

Government contracts (FAR)

Budgeting & cost control

MS Project

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Trident Systems Space Electronics Systems (SES) division seeks a Program Manager to lead complex space electronics programs from development through production in Fairfax, VA. You will own cost, schedule, and risk while serving as the primary customer interface and partnering with a Lead Systems Engineer to drive delivery and strategic program leadership.

This hands-on role requires experience managing hardware development programs, a track record of governance, and the ability to build