Space Ground Software Program Manager

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 141,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Software Program Manager to support development and sustainment of complex software for satellite ground operations. The role blends technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and project execution to deliver high-reliability software crucial to national security and space missions.

The Program Manager will work within a team of customers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in technical engineering, science, or a relevant field.
• 10+ years in software program or project management.
• Experience managing complex software projects through full development lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of ground system architecture and satellite operations.
• Familiarity with Agile and/or hybrid project management frameworks.
• Proficiency with PM tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project).
• Familiarity with government acquisition processes.
• Technical domain knowledge of scalable architecture and cloud (Azure/AWS/Google).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to support proposals with technical writing and subcontractor evaluation.
• Must be a U.S. citizen able to obtain security clearance.
• Willing to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional software development teams delivering ground system capabilities including TT&C, mission planning, automation, and data processing.
• Manages project lifecycle from concept through operations ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met.
• Interfaces with software engineers, system architects, satellite operators, and government sponsors.
• Oversees risk management, change control, and related management processes.
• Coordinates software integration and testing activities.
• Facilitates Agile/Scrum or hybrid program management methodologies.
• Ensures compliance with applicable government and quality standards.
• Tracks and reports program status, technical progress, and resource allocation to senior leadership and customers.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Agile / Hybrid PM

Technical writing

Proposal management support

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical engineering

MBA with technical BS

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Job description

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Software Program Manager to support development and sustainment of complex software for satellite ground operations. The role blends technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and project execution to deliver high-reliability software crucial to national security and space missions.

The Program Manager will work within a team of customers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery