The Proliferated Space Systems Division within the Leidos Space Business Area currently has an opening for a Space Payload Program Manager to work in our San Diego, CA or Huntsville, AL office.
This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience managing the design, build and test of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) payloads where Leidos is transforming the payload solutions for the future. As the Space Payload Program Manager, you’ll directly support the division by leading a talented team through an aggressive schedule to achieve program objectives, including frequent customer interface. This role is pivotal in driving the successful execution and delivery of complex space payload projects, ensuring they meet stringent DoD standards and contribute to improving our national defense capabilities. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in program management within the aerospace or defense sectors and drive strategic thought, system solutions, and client management across all aspects of the lifecycle, from program capture through delivery.
Day-to-day activities in this role would include operations and execution of the contract, subcontract, finance, security, staffing, and procurement. You’ll monitor and manage program performance, risk, cost, and schedule; quality review and submission of all deliverables; and preparation of contract modification proposals (technical and cost). The ideal candidate will possess superior analytical and problem-solving skills, operate independently with limited supervision and feedback, be a strong team player, and can establish solid working relationships with technical staff members and peers within the division as well as our external Government customers. The Space Payload Program Manager should be able to articulate the technical challenges to executive leadership and works closely with the engineering team to identify and understand technical risk and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken to mitigate the risks.
Primary Responsibilities
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
May potentially provide supervisory assistance
Success is highly dependent upon the level and proficiency ofcommunication/writingskills
This position is not intended for project managers without prior operational hardware experience and significant firm fixed price program ownership.
Basic Qualifications
Must have an active DoD Secret clearance or higher
Bachelor27s degree and 17+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 15+ years of prior relevant experience
Experience in successfully managing firm fixed price development programs $100M+ in size
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.
The successful candidate should be a creative problem solver and demonstrate a broad ranging technical management and team development experience encompassing:
Electro-optical multispectral and hyperspectral imaging sensors for ground, airborne and space applications
Visible and infrared focal plane array and photo-detector technology
Process and system development
Risk analysis and management
Preferred Qualifications
Active possession of a Top-Secret clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain
Masters degree in a relevant field
Experience translating functional requirements into tasks
Experience in managing space payload programs (R&D, prototype, low volume production)
Vehicle/platform integration experience and/or test and evaluation
Demonstrated experience leading an engineering organization
Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of successfully resolving complex project issues
Demonstrated experience with winning follow-on contracts within an existing program
Original Posting:June 4, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
