Senior Director, Space Payloads Project Manager

Leidos

Senior Space Payload Program Manager at Leidos managing the design, build, and test of aerospace payloads. Leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects meeting DoD standards.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeSan Diego • Alabama, California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $154,050 - $278,475 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the end-to-end management of space payload programs, from concept through delivery, ensuring alignment with DoD requirements and company objectives
Oversee the development, testing, and integration of space payloads, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones are met on time and within budget
Establish program management process and methodologies within the program to include: WBS management, IMS management, Risk and Opportunity management, and EVMS cost management
Capture new business by developing RFIs and BOEs, and approve proposals on behalf of program management
Negotiate SOW, T&Cs, and price with subcontractors and prospective customers/business partners
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and reporting on program status, risks, and issues
Develop and maintain detailed program plans, schedules, and budgets, tracking progress and implementing corrective actions as needed
Ensure compliance with all regulatory, security, and quality standards pertinent to DoD and space payload operations
Facilitate risk management and mitigation strategies, conducting regular risk assessments and maintaining contingency plans
Mentor and guide junior program managers and team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development
Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of components and services that meet program specifications
Ensure program is properly staffed to execute scope of work on time and within budget
Establish and maintain program business rhythm
Work closely with subcontract program manager to ensure on-time delivery from the subcontractors
Oversee development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test of the payload and uses key metrics to ensure the program is on track to promised delivery date

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must have an active DoD Secret clearance or higher
Bachelor’s degree and 17 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 15 years of prior relevant experience
Must have proven experience managing complex projects within the aerospace or defense industry, including electro/optical product design, development, fabrication, and test
Strong understanding and experience executing PM activities: cost (EVMS), schedule, Customer engagement, management of firm fixed price (FFP) contracts
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with senior managements, clients, and technical teams
Demonstrated ability to manage engineering resources in program execution, including standing up a new team on behalf of an organization or a program
Prior experience in Systems Engineering or Project Engineering
Adaptability to new challenges with a strong motivation to grow and learn in new areas.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and Wellness programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

program managementWBS managementIMS managementRisk managementOpportunity managementEVMS cost managementproject schedulingcost managementelectro/optical product designSystems Engineering

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationinterpersonal skillsclient engagementmentoringteam managementadaptabilityproblem-solvingcontinuous improvementprofessional development

Certifications

DoD Secret clearanceBachelor's degreeMaster's degree