Space Hardware Project Manager

aero; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,800 - 181,100; Full time

Job summary

Not disclosed Space Hardware Project Manager role responsible for planning and execution of hardware build projects, leading cross-functional teams to design, build, test and operate space science sensors and small satellite systems.

Requires a Bachelor’s in STEM and 6+ years of related experience, plus willingness to travel ~10% and the ability to obtain US security clearance. Salary ranges USD 120,800.00 – 181,100.00 per year, with site-based work expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or related technical discipline.
• Six or more years of related professional experience.
• Experience in hardware engineering.
• Experience in team leadership, project management, planning or execution.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects through all phases from Proposal to Post‑Launch.
• Ensure work aligns with mission requirements, budgets, schedules, and risk posture.
• Address roadblocks to maintain technical, cost and schedule performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal/external customers and teams.
• Develop cost and schedule plans for new proposals with aerospace teams.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Job description

Position Overview

The Space Hardware Project Manager (Project Leader – Technical Project Management) is responsible for the planning and execution of hardware build projects. As part of a project leadership team, which includes the project Principal Investigator and Project’s Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the timely delivery of specific project deliverables in accordance with project requirements (technical, cost & schedule). In this role you will lead and work with multi‑functional, cross‑organizational teams to design, build, test and operate complex space science sensors and small satellite systems. This role may also include managing ground‑based or airborne test systems.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage multiple projects through all phases of development: Proposal, Concept, Requirements, Design, Build, Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T), Delivery, Launch, Post‑Launch, etc.
• Work with project teams to ensure work is performed in accordance with mission/project requirements, planned budgets, schedules, and program risk posture.
• Manage road‑blocks, work‑arounds and unexpected events on projects to maintain optimal technical, cost and schedule performance.
• Create and maintain strong working relationships and lines of communication with both internal/external customers and other team member organizations.
• Work with assigned teams to develop project cost and schedule plans for new business proposals; work with Aerospace estimating and contracts teams to ensure compliant submission of new business proposals.

What You Need to be Successful

Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off‑business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% as required. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable STEM field or related technical discipline.
• Six or more years of increasingly responsible, related professional experience.
• Experience working in a hardware engineering role.
• Experience in team leadership, project management, project planning and/or project execution.
• Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off‑business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% as required.

What You Can Stand Out

• Master’s degree in an applicable STEM discipline.
• Direct project management experience.
• Spaceflight hardware experience in project/product team leadership and execution.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Knowledge and understanding of procurement, property and business practices desirable.
• Experience with Microsoft Project or other project management tools desirable.

Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade‑based pay range for this job is USD $120,800.00 – $181,100.00 per year.

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results