Sr Program Manager

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking a Sr Program Manager in the United States to oversee the integration and management of multiple large-scale projects, ensuring customer relationships, cost control, scheduling, and technical execution.

You will lead a portfolio of Program and Project Managers, coordinating payload development, space vehicle integration, ground/mission operations, and customer delivery — with accountability for cost, schedule, and performance across complex space programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Project Management, Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in project or program management in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry, with meaningful time on space, satellite, or on-orbit payload programs.
• 5+ years leading large-scale projects, with scope spanning multiple years, while leading cross-functional teams of 10+ (engineering, mission operations, ground software, integration & test).
• Experience evaluating RFPs/RFQs and preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals — particularly for DoD, IC, or civil space customers.
• Experience managing multiple large-scale projects, or a portfolio of projects up to a large independent program.
• Experience ensuring compliance with approved Corporate and ISO 9001:2015 policies and processes.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (TS/SCI) — required to support Vindlér customer engagements and classified program activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage total program integration for the Vindlér product line, coordinating spacecraft bus, RF payload, ground segment, launch services, and mission operations across multiple concurrent builds and on‑orbit assets.
• Lead a portfolio of Program and Project Managers covering payload development, space vehicle integration, ground/mission operations, and customer delivery — with primary accountability for customer relationships, cost, schedule, and technical execution.
• Own program performance reporting to IDS leadership, DTG, and external customers, including IPRs, MRRs, PDR/CDR gates, and on‑orbit readiness reviews.
• Supervise program and project staff across engineering, RF/SIGINT systems, mission operations, and integration disciplines to ensure successful delivery of on‑orbit capability.
• Drive business resource planning and capacity forecasting in coordination with IDS Business Operations, DTG, and enterprise functions (Contracts, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality).
• Formulate and lead cross‑functional teams to fulfill Vindlér program requirements from proposal through sustainment.
• Identify, track, and resolve program issues — including supplier, integration, launch manifest, and on‑orbit anomalies.
• Manage program risk (technical, schedule, cost, cyber, ITAR/export, mission assurance) with formal identification, mitigation, and tracking.
• Conduct routine program cadence: standups, PMRs, customer syncs, gate reviews, and executive readouts.
• Develop proposals and captures for follow‑on Vindlér tasking, growth options, and adjacent SIGINT/RF opportunities; conduct research, coordinate audits, and negotiate with customers and teammates to meet cost, budget, and schedule commitments.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Customer relationships

Budget management

Scheduling

Risk management

FAR/DFARS compliance

Security clearance TS/SCI

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, PM, Engineering

Tools

PM tools

Job description

Are you looking to advance your career and flex your leadership and program management skills in a fast-paced and rewarding organization? Join us! As a Sr Program Manager at SNC, you will oversee the integration and management of multiple large-scale projects or one highly complex development, ensuring successful customer relationships, cost control, scheduling, and technical execution. You will lead a portfolio of Program and/or Project Managers, ensuring overall program performance and high visibility deliverables. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn‑key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Responsibilities:

• Manage total program integration for the Vindlér product line, coordinating spacecraft bus, RF payload, ground segment, launch services, and mission operations across multiple concurrent builds and on‑orbit assets.
• Lead a portfolio of Program and Project Managers covering payload development, space vehicle integration, ground/mission operations, and customer delivery — with primary accountability for customer relationships, cost, schedule, and technical execution.
• Own program performance reporting to IDS leadership, DTG, and external customers, including IPRs, MRRs, PDR/CDR gates, and on‑orbit readiness reviews.
• Supervise program and project staff across engineering, RF/SIGINT systems, mission operations, and integration disciplines to ensure successful delivery of on‑orbit capability.
• Drive business resource planning and capacity forecasting in coordination with IDS Business Operations, DTG, and enterprise functions (Contracts, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality).
• Formulate and lead cross‑functional teams to fulfill Vindlér program requirements from proposal through sustainment.
• Identify, track, and resolve program issues — including supplier, integration, launch manifest, and on‑orbit anomalies.
• Manage program risk (technical, schedule, cost, cyber, ITAR/export, mission assurance) with formal identification, mitigation, and tracking.
• Conduct routine program cadence: standups, PMRs, customer syncs, gate reviews, and executive readouts.
• Develop proposals and captures for follow‑on Vindlér tasking, growth options, and adjacent SIGINT/RF opportunities; conduct research, coordinate audits, and negotiate with customers and teammates to meet cost, budget, and schedule commitments.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Project Management, Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Systems), or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in project or program management in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry, with meaningful time on space, satellite, or on‑orbit payload programs.
• 5+ years leading large‑scale projects, with scope spanning multiple years, while leading cross‑functional teams of 10+ (engineering, mission operations, ground software, integration & test).
• Relevant experience may substitute for the required education.
• In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 14 years of related experience is required.
• A higher‑level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Experience evaluating RFPs/RFQs and preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals — particularly for DoD, IC, or civil space customers.
• Experience managing multiple large‑scale projects, or a portfolio of projects up to a large independent program.
• Experience ensuring compliance with approved Corporate and ISO 9001:2015 policies and processes.
• Demonstrated skill in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, and program management disciplines.
• Demonstrated financial acumen to ensure decisions are fiscally sound.
• Ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire teams, drive innovative thinking, challenge the status quo, and adapt to dynamic mission‑driven environments.
• Ability to execute full program integration management — task coordination, resource development, stakeholder identification, and lifecycle governance.
• Ability to identify, assess, and control financial, technical, legal, and mission‑assurance risks.
• Proficient leadership skills including change management, mentoring, career development, succession planning, accountability, and performance reviews.
• Working understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS).
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility (TS/SCI) — required to support Vindlér customer engagements and classified program activities.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (will not be considered in lieu of required experience).
• Advanced degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or related field (may substitute for 1 year of required PM experience).
• Direct experience delivering RF, SIGINT, ELINT, or communications payloads on‑orbit — including payload/bus integration, launch campaign management, and LEOP/commissioning.
• Experience with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), U.S. Space Force (USSF/SSC), NGA, or IC customers, and familiarity with their acquisition constructs (e.g., SpEC OTAs, TAP Lab, SDA tranches).
• Familiarity with space mission assurance standards (e.g., AIAA S-114, SMC/USSF mission assurance requirements) and export control (ITAR/EAR) as applied to space systems.
• Experience integrating mission data pipelines and analytics (Intel Lakehouse‑style architectures) with sensor collection programs.
• Working knowledge of PMI PMBOK.
• Experience managing programs using CMMI, Agile, and/or spiral development models — particularly hybrid hardware/software space programs.
• Experience managing programs requiring Earned Value Management (EVMS).
• Familiarity with modern space software tooling and data architectures (cloud‑based ground systems, containerized mission ops, digital engineering).
• Ability to reinforce and improve use of Corporate PM tools across the IDS portfolio and drive PM process improvement for the Business Area.
• Ability to establish and refine PM templates, tools, and guidelines for program documentation & execution across a growing space portfolio.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.
• Frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Occasional travel may be required to support project needs and team collaboration.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range:

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $180,011.13 - $247,515.31.

Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications.

In the disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

• SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance.

U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants.

Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward.

We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation.

We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission‑focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state‑of‑the‑art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber.

As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non‑traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid‑tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule.

It’s part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow.

Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen.