Space Warfighting Technology Technical Program Manager

Air Force Research Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque seeks a visionary Scientist and Engineer leader to architect and execute the strategic technical roadmap for Space Control and orbital assets.

You will partner with mission experts to align research with defense priorities, manage complex contracts, brief leadership, and drive cross-organizational R&D initiatives, with occasional travel and situational telework eligibility.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large R&D programs and aligning tech with mission needs.
• Ability to brief senior leadership on execution plans and budgets.
• Proven track record of coordinating with contracting and finance offices.

Responsibilities

• Architect and execute a strategic technical roadmap for Space Control.
• Lead technical project teams and manage program reviews, risks, and KPIs.
• Develop and deliver strategic messaging and leadership briefings.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Program management

Technical roadmapping

Communication with executives

Education

Advanced degree in STEM

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 7 December 2026.

Job Overview

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 7 December 2026.

The Space Warfighting Technology Branch (RJSW) is looking for a visionary Scientist and Engineer (S&E) leader for our Space Control portfolio. In this role, you won't just manage projects—you will architect and execute the strategic technical roadmap that secures our nation's most critical orbital assets.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Align Technology with Warfighter Needs: Partner with internal portfolio leads and mission experts to identify technology gaps and ensure research initiatives align with strategic defense goals.
• Develop Technology Roadmaps: Collaborate with technology leads to build clear development roadmaps and transition paths, ensuring new capabilities successfully reach end-users and stakeholders.
• Foster External Partnerships: Coordinate with mission partners and external stakeholders to identify synergies, share insights, and build collaborative opportunities across related space programs.
• Lead Technical Project Teams: Partner with Acquisition Program Managers to establish execution plans, run program reviews, manage risks, and define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with strategic goals.
• Drive Strategic Messaging: Create and maintain the strategic messaging and briefings for leadership, translating complex technical milestones into clear executive updates.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to manage the technical and programmatic execution of the Space Warfighting Technology (RJSW) Branch. Executes financial decisions to include managing cost, schedule, and performance.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership to prepare and brief monthly and annual execution plans. Ability to coordinate cross-functional support with finance, safety, and security offices.
• Experience collaborating closely with contracting officers to manage complex, cross-functional contracts and maintain precise financial situational awareness.
• Ability to partner with Acquisition Program Managers to jointly lead and steer advanced research and development (R&D) initiatives.
• Experience managing day-to-day organizational operating costs, including travel systems, government purchase cards, laboratory operations, security, and administrative support.
• Proven track record of establishing formal agreements and funding vehicles with external organizations to enable mutually beneficial R&D collaboration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with Space Superiority technical areas to include xGEO Space Domain Awareness, Spacecraft Autonomy, Space Cyber Resilience, and Space Electronic Warfare.
• Awareness of the US Space Force's strategic space superiority objectives and requirements, with the ability to steer and align AFRL's space control R&D to those priorities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and interact with team members across all professional backgrounds, technical areas of expertise, and a multitude of tiered classification levels.
• Available to travel intermittently throughout the fiscal year in support of in-person customer interactions at varying classification levels.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Series

• 0830
• 0850
• 0861
• 1310
• 1330

Posting End Date

12/04/2026