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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Program Manager - Space Systems - **Company:** Actalent - **Location:** Acton, MA, United States - **Salary:** $175,000.0 - $250,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Systems Engineering, Hardware Design - **Published:** August 1, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/78D403CA902144BA9076DFDDF022A0AB/job/ ## About the Role * Extensive program management experience leading large, complex hardware-focused programs, preferably in aerospace or defense, with a strong emphasis on space payloads. * Demonstrated experience managing aerospace or defense programs that involve hardware development, integration, and delivery, rather than software-only efforts. * Experience in satellites or satellite payloads, particularly optical or laser payloads, or closely related systems. * Proven experience working with government customers and/or major defense contractors, including supporting formal reviews and contract deliverables. * Strong understanding and hands-on use of EVMS for cost and schedule management on complex programs. * Experience developing and managing integrated master schedules (IMS) and applying cost/schedule management best practices. * Successful track record managing large, complex programs, ideally multi-hundred-million-dollar efforts, including oversight of subcontractors and major suppliers. * Demonstrated technical expertise and practical application of program management principles, concepts, and practices. * Strong leadership skills, including the ability to organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate workloads to meet deadlines and milestones. * Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with cross-functional teams, all levels of management, customers, and external partners. * Ability to navigate organizational dynamics, build relationships, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders. * Results-oriented mindset with the ability to maintain focus on program success and long-term organizational goals. * Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. * Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and driving outcomes. * Eligibility and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret DoD security clearance and/or SCI, as required by program needs., * Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering, science, or a related technical field, typically combined with thirteen or more years of progressively complex program administration experience. * Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree, depending on depth and relevance of program management experience. * Systems engineering or specific engineering experience related to satellites, satellite payloads, or optical/laser payload systems. * Experience leading or supporting programs in the Navy or other defense domains, particularly where government customers or major primes were involved. * Experience managing subcontractors and major suppliers on complex hardware programs. * Demonstrated ability to contribute to talent planning, selection, development, and retention within program teams. * Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives and implementing process enhancements within a program management function. ## Description This role leads complex space payload programs within an optical sensor systems environment, overseeing the full lifecycle from concept and development through testing, delivery, and sustainment. The Program Manager manages cross-functional teams, integrates technical, cost, and schedule performance using EVMS, and serves as the primary interface with government and prime customers to ensure all technical requirements, contractual obligations, and program objectives are met., * Lead medium-to-large scale space EO/IR payload programs from initiation through completion, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and within budget. * Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive program plans that integrate technical, schedule, cost, risk, and resource elements across the program lifecycle. * Oversee program finances, including budget development, cost tracking, variance analysis, and forecasting, while maintaining program quality and meeting financial targets. * Use EVMS and integrated master schedules (IMS) to monitor and control cost, schedule, and performance on large, complex hardware programs. * Coordinate closely with engineering teams to ensure payload designs meet technical requirements, system performance goals, and contractual specifications. * Collaborate with supply chain, major subcontractors, and manufacturing to ensure timely procurement, production readiness, and on-time delivery of hardware. * Serve as a primary liaison with government and prime contractor customers, facilitating regular communication, reviews, and decision-making to maintain alignment and trust. * Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including executives, product managers, and cross-functional leaders, to ensure transparency and alignment throughout the program. * Drive cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, operations, and other departments to ensure all elements of the program are integrated and delivered as planned. * Identify, assess, and manage program risks, issues, and dependencies; develop and implement mitigation plans and escalate critical concerns when necessary. * Develop detailed project schedules, allocate resources effectively, and track progress against key milestones to keep programs on track. * Provide clear, regular status updates to Sr management and stakeholders, including formal reports, presentations, and briefings on program performance, risks, and issues. * Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the program, identifying and implementing process enhancements that increase efficiency, collaboration, and overall program success. * Interact with internal and external representatives at various levels to resolve technical, scheduling, and integration issues in a timely manner. * Ensure technical leadership and excellence by participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of management, professional, and technical talent. * Provide leadership in identifying program risks and opportunities, and drive the development of innovative solutions to complex program challenges. * Ensure adherence to program management best practices, including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines and milestones. * Support and lead major program reviews and customer engagements, including design reviews, status reviews, and readiness assessments. * Manage and oversee subcontractor performance, ensuring alignment with program objectives, schedules, and quality requirements. * Champion a results-oriented culture that maintains focus on program success and supports long-term organizational goals. ## Related Videos - [Solving the puzzle: Leveraging machine learning for effective root cause analysis](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1518-solving-the-puzzle-leveraging-machine-learning-for-effective-root-cause-analysis) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [Why Your Best Mediors Never Become Seniors (And How to Fix It)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2108-why-your-best-mediors-never-become-seniors-and-how-to-fix-it) - [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Should Tech Managers Be Developers First? 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