Mission Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job ID: 8764
Date Posted: July 20, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Mission Program Manager to lead the formulation, capture, and execution of complex NASA and Civil Space missions within the Civil & Commercial Space Division (CVS).

This position provides a unique opportunity to lead end-to-end spaceflight missions—from early mission concept development and proposal capture through spacecraft and payload development, integration and test, launch, and mission operations. The selected candidate will serve as the mission-level program manager responsible for overall mission success across technical, cost, schedule, risk, customer satisfaction, and partner integration.

Working alongside principal investigators, NASA program offices, external spacecraft providers, university partners, subcontractors, and SDL engineering teams, the Mission Program Manager will lead geographically distributed teams developing innovative scientific space missions that advance discovery across astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, planetary science, and emerging civil space opportunities.

The successful candidate will thrive in both technical and programmatic leadership roles, bringing together diverse organizations around a common mission vision while maintaining disciplined execution throughout the project lifecycle.

About the Civil & Commercial Space Division

The Civil & Commercial Space Division develops complete mission solutions for NASA and commercial customers by combining world-class expertise in scientific instruments, spacecraft technologies, calibration systems, mission systems engineering, integration and test, mission operations, and program management.

Our teams help define, capture, build, launch, and operate missions that enable groundbreaking scientific discovery. Joining SDL means becoming part of an organization where technical excellence, innovation, and mission success drive everything we do.

Key Responsibilities
Mission Leadership

• Lead end-to-end NASA and civil space missions from formulation through mission execution.
• Serve as the mission-level authority responsible for overall technical, cost, schedule, and programmatic success.
• Develop and maintain executable mission strategies that balance mission objectives, technical performance, affordability, and schedule.

Mission Formulation & Capture

• Lead mission formulation activities including concept development, architecture trades, Phase 0/Phase A studies, and proposal planning.
• Assist in development of mission implementation strategies in collaboration with principal investigators, customers, and technical leadership.
• Lead development of competitive mission proposals, integrating technical, management, schedule, cost, and risk inputs into a cohesive mission solution.
• Support customer engagement and opportunity shaping activities prior to formal solicitations.

Program Execution

• Lead integrated development of spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams spanning SDL, universities, government organizations, industry partners, and subcontractors.
• Ensure successful execution through all NASA lifecycle phases from formulation through Phase E operations.
• Lead preparation for major NASA lifecycle reviews including Systems Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Flight Readiness Review (FRR), and other program milestones as applicable.

Customer & Partner Leadership

• Build trusted relationships with NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers, principal investigators, commercial customers, and strategic partners.
• Coordinate technical and programmatic activities across multiple organizations while maintaining alignment with mission objectives.
• Resolve complex technical and programmatic issues through collaborative leadership.

Program Management Excellence

• Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, and program execution strategies.
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVMS) and other program management best practices throughout project execution.
• Mentor project managers and develop future mission leaders.
• Ensure mission commitments are achieved safely, successfully, and within contractual requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or closely related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible aerospace experience, including at least 5 years leading complex spaceflight projects or programs in a Project Manager, Program Manager, Mission Manager, or equivalent leadership role.
• Extensive experience leading complex aerospace development programs, including significant project or program management responsibility.
• Experience managing development of integrated space systems including spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, or mission operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams across multiple organizations.
• Strong understanding of NASA program lifecycle from formulation through mission operations.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk.
• Demonstrated experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and customer relationship skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with scientists, engineers, executive leadership, customers, and external partners.
• Ability to travel as required.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Experience leading or supporting NASA competed mission proposals.
• Experience working directly with NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers.
• Experience supporting or leading Phase A through Phase E NASA missions.
• Experience managing geographically distributed teams involving government, academia, and industry.
• Experience with spacecraft development, scientific instruments, or mission operations.

*Typical Salary Range
$135,000 - $220,000
Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience

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

At Space Dynamics Laboratory, you'll have the opportunity to lead missions that advance scientific discovery and expand humanity's understanding of our planet, our solar system, and the universe.

Our teams go beyond building components. We develop integrated mission solutions that combine cutting-edge instruments, spacecraft technologies, calibration systems, mission operations, and scientific partnerships into successful spaceflight programs.

You'll work alongside internationally recognized scientists, engineers, and mission leaders while helping shape the future of NASA and commercial space exploration.

SDL offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative culture built on technical excellence, integrity, and mission success.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact View email address on us.fitly.work.

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