Space Programme Manager

Socket.dev; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev invites applications for a NATO Space Capability Programme Manager to support ACT CDMS-26-02C-LC52. This role requires senior expertise in NATO capability development, programme management, and defence acquisition, with proven multinational collaboration.

The position is based in Norfolk, VA, USA, on-site, with up to 30 days travel annually. A science degree and Advanced English are required; experience with PMT processes and DOORS is desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within NATO capability development, programme management, or defence acquisition.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NATO Space policy, CPP governance and PMT processes.
• 3+ years operational knowledge of C2 systems within the last 10 years, either as military or civilian.
• At least 3 years in Capability Development and Management processes in the C2 area.
• Experience supporting multinational programmes and senior-level governance bodies.
• Working knowledge of Configuration Management methods and practices.
• Experience with IBM Rational DOORS or equivalent (certificates).

Responsibilities

• Support the ACT Space Branch PMT in delivering the NATO Space Capability Programme across all tranches and projects.
• Coordinate programme execution between HQ SACT, SHAPE, NCIA, NSPA, nations and partners.
• Develop artefacts including proposals, plans, reviews, risk registers, dashboards, and roadmaps.
• Synchronize OSS, SDA and SDC capabilities and dependencies.
• Participate in governance meetings and senior leader engagements.
• Identify and mitigate risks, interdependencies, and critical paths across space projects.
• Travel to meetings and conferences up to 30 days per year.
• Produce reports and recommendations for ACT Space Branch leadership.

Skills

NATO capability development

Programme management

Defense acquisition

NATO Space policy

C2 systems knowledge

Multinational programmes

Configuration Management

DOORS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science

Tools

IBM Rational DOORS

Job description

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.

The program

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS) DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.

Role ID: ACT-CDMS-26-02C-LC52

Role Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the ACT Space Branch PMT in the delivery, synchronization, and implementation of the NATO Space Capability Programme (CPP) across all tranches and associated projects.
• Coordinate programme execution activities between HQ SACT, SHAPE, AIRCOM Space Theatre Component (STC), NCIA, NSPA, nations and commercial partners.
• Support the development, refinement, and implementation of programme artefacts, including project proposals, implementation plans, programme reviews, risk registers, dashboards, and capability roadmaps.
• Support the synchronization of Operational Space Support (OSS), Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Domain Coordination (SDC) capabilities and associated dependencies.
• Contribute to programme governance activities, PMT meetings, Bi-SC coordination mechanisms, and senior leader engagements.
• Support the identification, analysis and mitigation of programme risks, interdependencies, and critical paths across all space projects.
• Support experimentation, wargaming, operational demonstrations and exercises, including Arctic Sentry, Cosmic Sentinel, and/or related activities.
• Coordinate with NCIA Architects PMT SMEs, and national experts to maintain programme coherence and support architecture development and analysis of alternatives.
• Support engagement with industry and commercial space actors in support of NATO Commercial Space Strategy implementation.
• Produce reports, briefings, and recommendations for ACT Space Branch leadership.
• Directly supports the Branch Head CR and will be required to travel to meetings and conferences both within and outside NATO’s boundaries for up to 30 days per year.
• Performs additional tasks as required by the COTR related to the LABOR category.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within NATO capability development, programme management, or defence acquisition.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NATO Space policy, CPP governance and PMT processes.
• Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years operational knowledge of C2 systems within the last 10 years either as a military officer or as a civilian.
• Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years in the last 10 years a sound knowledge of Capability Development and Management processes in the C2 area.
• Experience supporting multinational programmes and senior-level governance bodies.
• Programme and Project Management experience in the past 10 years within a complex and dynamic programme environment.
• Working knowledge of Configuration Management methods and practices.
• Working knowledge of Capability Architectures Experience with IBM Rational DOORS or equivalent (provide certificates).

Education

A University/ Bachelor’s degree in Science.

Language Proficiency

Advanced Proficiency in English

Working Location

Norfolk, VA, USA

Working Policy

On-Site

Contract Duration

January 2026 – December 2030

Security Clearance

Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance