The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at the intersection of technical execution and program leadership. You will proactively manage risk, resolve cross-functional dependencies, guide tradeoffs, and create the structure required to deliver cutting-edge systems in a high-ambiguity, fast-paced environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of payload development and integration programs.
Own program execution by defining delivery plans, managing scope and milestones, and driving accountability across engineering and cross-functional teams.
Manage vertical integration projects supporting payloads, including interfaces with spacecraft systems, flight software, ground systems, manufacturing, test, launch, and mission operations.
Serve as the primary delivery interface among payload engineering, systems engineering, production, security, and program office stakeholders.
Translate mission and product requirements into actionable technical plans in partnership with engineering and program leadership.
Coordinate payload development across the full lifecycle, including requirements, architecture, design, procurement, build, test, qualification, acceptance, and delivery.
Drive interface definition and control across payloads and the broader space system; identify gaps, assumptions, and integration risks early.
Participate in technical and architectural discussions, ensuring decisions support mission needs, delivery timelines, security requirements, manufacturability, and system reliability.
Manage and resolve cross-team dependencies across engineering, production, security, test, launch, and program office teams.
Maintain an accurate, real-time dependency map, integrated master schedule, risk register, and decision log for assigned programs.
Plan and coordinate integration and test activities, including development testing, environmental testing, qualification, acceptance, end-to-end testing, and operational readiness.
Proactively identify and manage risks, tradeoffs, and blockers; escalate issues and recommend decisions when schedule, scope, technical performance, or resources are misaligned.
Track program performance using execution metrics such as milestone performance, schedule predictability, technical maturity, defect trends, test readiness, and release readiness.
Maintain program dashboards and status reporting so stakeholders have timely, accurate information to inform decisions.
Establish effective operating rhythms, including technical interchange meetings, program reviews, risk reviews, integration planning sessions, and executive updates.
