Senior Deputy Program Manager Engineering - Free Space Optics (FSO)

Responsibilities for this Position

Senior Deputy Program Manager Engineering - Free Space Optics (FSO)

ID: 2026-74604
US-MD-Annapolis Junction
Required Clearance: TS/SCI, obtainable within reasonable time based on requirements
Posted Date: 8/27/2026
Category: Engineering-Other
Employment Type: Full Time
Hiring Company: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Basic Qualifications

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.

Clearance Requirements:
Ability to obtain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

Make the worlds most advanced Undersea Systems even smarter

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:
As a Senior Deputy Program Manager, Engineering (DPME) on the GDMS Free Space Optical (FSO) communications team, you will help lead the technical execution of complex product-development efforts from prototype through production. You will partner with the program manager, chief engineer, and functional leads to align technical scope, schedule, resources, risks, and deliverables across optical, electrical, mechanical, software, systems, and test disciplines. This role is central to keeping engineering teams focused on program commitments while resolving technical and execution challenges across space, airborne, and tactical ground programs.

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:

• Engineering program execution: Plan and track technical scope, schedules, milestones, staffing, and deliverables across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Technical leadership and integration: Understand FSO product development well enough to coordinate system, optical, electrical, mechanical, software, and test work; identify dependencies; and drive timely decisions.

• Risk and stakeholder management: Identify technical and program risks, develop mitigation plans, communicate status clearly to program leadership and customers, and ensure action items are driven to closure.

What sets you apart:

• Proven communication and ability to interface with internal and customer leadership
• Advanced knowledge of technologies, principles, theories and concepts
• Fosters an environment to motivate and push for professional development for yourself and others
• Strategically manages risks, opportunities, and conflict resolution.
• Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nations security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:

• This position is fully on-site with occasional Hybrid/Flex available.

  While on-site, you will be a part of the Annapolis Junction, MD team.

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $160,085.00 - USD $173,217.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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