Space Programs Manager - Delivery & Risk Leader

Trident; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Annual discretionary bonus

Job summary

Trident Systems SES division seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead execution of complex space electronics programs from development through production. You will own performance across cost, schedule, and risk, and serve as the primary customer interface, coordinating with cross‑functional teams.

You will work with a Lead Systems Engineer to drive delivery and strategic program leadership in hardware development environments, mentoring junior PMs and shaping IMS, staffing, and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and 12+ years (or Master’s and 10+) of relevant experience.
• Experience managing space or aerospace‑related programs, ideally with electronic systems or hardware development.
• Proven success managing government programs (FAR‑based contracts, multiple CLINs).
• Strong background in program financials, planning, and execution.
• Experience leading product development programs (design → prototype → production).
• 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 cost, schedule, and risk management.
• Develop and maintain an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) with milestones and resource loading.
• Establish and manage labor and non-labor resource plans, including defining required skills and staffing timing.
• Identify engineering resource needs (skill sets, number of engineers, timing).
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance.
• Drive subcontractor performance and accountability to meet program commitments.
• Set expectations and align SEIT and broader engineering teams.
• Maintain risk and opportunity matrix with burn-down plans and mitigation strategies.
• Serve as the primary customer interface and oversee program financials and reporting.
• Support proposal efforts and mentor other PMOs.

Skills

Program management

Customer interface

Risk management

Govt contracting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)

Master’s degree

Tools

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Trident Systems SES division seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead execution of complex space electronics programs from development through production. You will own performance across cost, schedule, and risk, and serve as the primary customer interface, coordinating with cross‑functional teams.

You will work with a Lead Systems Engineer to drive delivery and strategic program leadership in hardware development environments, mentoring junior PMs and shaping IMS, staffing, and risk management.