Mission Program Manager

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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