Space Mission Program Manager

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory; North Logan (UT); On-site; USD 107,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead development and sustainment of complex space systems within our Strategic & Military Space Division. You will bridge technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and program execution to deliver high-reliability software and systems for national defense.

The selected candidate will work with engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel to ensure on-time, within-budget performance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience, including space system domains
• Proven success managing complex projects through full lifecycle
• Strong understanding of space applications
• Ability to support proposals with technical writing and subcontractor evaluation
• U.S. citizen able to obtain/maintain a DoD security clearance
• Willingness to travel

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional teams delivering space-based system capabilities
• Manages project lifecycle from concept through operations
• Interfaces with engineers, system architects, satellite operators, and Government sponsors
• Oversees risk management and change control processes
• Coordinates integration and testing activities
• Ensures compliance with Government and quality standards
• Tracks and reports program status and progress to leadership

Skills

Project management

Space systems knowledge

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Technical writing

Proposal support

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or business

Advanced degree in aerospace, systems, electrical, or optical engineering

Tools

Jira

Confluence

MS Project

Job description

Job ID: 9061
Date Posted: August 6, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Program Manager to lead the development and sustainment of complex space systems within our Strategic & Military Space Division. This role bridges technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and project execution, ensuring delivery of high-reliability software critical to National security and space missions.

The selected candidate will work as part of a larger team with customers, engineers, managers, technicians, and support personnel.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation's defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads cross-functional teams delivering space-based system capabilities, including sensors and small satellite technologies along with mission planning, automation, and data processing for on-orbit systems
• Manages project lifecycle from concept through operations, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met
• Interfaces with internal and external stakeholders including engineers, system architects, satellite operators, and Government sponsors
• Oversees risk management, change control, and related management processes
• Coordinates integration and testing activities
• Ensures compliance with applicable Government and quality standards
• Tracks and reports program status, technical progress, and resource allocation to senior leadership and customers

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in technical engineering, science, or business degree
• 5+ years of experience in project management, including at least 2 years in satellite or space system domains
• Proven success managing complex projects through full development lifecycle
• Strong understanding of space applications
• Proficiency with program management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project)
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to support new proposal efforts with technical writing, proposal management support, subcontractor evaluation, and other duties as requested
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Must be able to travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in aerospace, systems, electrical, or optical engineering
• PMP or PMI certification
• 7-10 years of project management experience in aerospace
• Familiarity with multiple Remote Sensing phenomenology and data sets such as RF, SAR, EO, IR
• Background in DevSecOps, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), or digital engineering
• Active security clearance

Salary Range

• $107,000 - $200,000
  • Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [e-mail].