Description

Job Title Joint Space Protection (JSP) Program Manager (Science/Engineering Program Manager 4/5)

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name GS-IET/Intelligence & Emerging Threats Program Office

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

This position is open for both internal and external candidates to apply.
What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Science/Engineering Program Manager 4 or 5 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Exceptional candidates may be considered for a higher-level position, and additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The JSP provides space and ground solutions for Department of War (DOW) and Intelligence Community (IC) customer needs. These projects range from concept studies to data processing tools to spaceflight hardware. The JSP is currently executing ~$40M of projects in FY2026, with significant growth anticipated in FY2027. Note that DOW activities associated with the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) are led by the Nuclear Nonproliferation and Security Program Office (GS-NNS).

Science/Engineering Program Manager 4 ($153,600-$266,500)
The PM leads the management, coordination, and development of JSP space activities and will serve as LANL's principal interface to the IC and DOW for all space related activities in coordination with the GS Program Directors and the GS Executive Advisor. The selected candidate will also advise Program Directors, Line Managers and internal investment boards (such as Laboratory-Directed Research and Development - LDRD) on the needs and opportunities of customer-funded space programs.

The JSP PM will coordinate with other LANL Program offices which conduct space activities as needed to set institutional priorities, resolve resource conflicts, and ensure coherent investments across the LANL space enterprise.

Science/Engineering Program Manager 5 ($184,200-$329,700)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the JSP PM will identify and coordinate strategic partnerships with other Federally Funded Research and Development Corporations (FFRDCs) and Commercial Industry to leverage LANL's unique capabilities for system development. This work will include collaboration with other LANL organizations, such as the Feynman Center for Innovation (FCI) to address legal aspects of collaboration.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge : Demonstrated experience in space system design, production, and/or operations including a working familiarity with NASA and/or DOW Technical Readiness Level (TRL) assessment as it applies to space systems. The Program Manager is not expected to be an expert in all areas of space system design and operations but is expected to be conversant in critical areas and knowledgeable of integration and test.

Project Management: Demonstrated ability to convert concepts and strategic objectives into executable projects with measurable outcomes. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and deadlines. Familiarity with coordinating interdisciplinary efforts and aligning project work with broader organizational goals. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in both planning and execution.

Customer Relations and Stakeholder Engagement : Ability to build effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Experience collaborating with leadership, subject matter experts, partner organizations, and/or public audiences. Ability to assess customer needs and translate them into achievable projects scopes and deliverables. Experience setting realistic expectations regarding project scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables.

Leadership : Demonstrated peer-leadership ability to collaborate and strategize with colleagues to meet customer/project objectives while developing team members and meeting institutional goals.

Teamwork/Collaboration : Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful, collaborative, and productive work environment. Ability to work constructively and professionally with colleagues across disciplines and backgrounds. Experience mentoring staff and supporting professional development. Willingness to share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and support team success.

In addition to the duties outlined above, the Science/Engineering Program Manager 5 is expected to:

Technical Knowledge : Demonstrated subject matter expertise in space system design, production, and/or operations. A SEPM 5 should be able to draw from past leadership experience of space system design, production, and/or operations.

Project Management: Experience bringing projects through formal systems engineering reviews (e.g. SRR, PDR, CDR) including negotiating the content of these reviews with sponsors.

Customer Relations and Stakeholder Engagement: Experience engaging with senior sponsors at the GS-15 level and above.

Education/Experience for Science/Engineering Program Manager 4: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field from an accredited institution and 12 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected. An advanced degree in a science or engineering field is preferred.

Education/Experience for Science/Engineering Program Manager 5: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field from an accredited institution and 15 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected. An advanced degree in a science or engineering field is preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Expert knowledge of at least one of the following: space system hardware/software development, space ground system development, and/or space system operations.
• Commercial or Government certification in program management, test, and/or systems engineering.
• Functional understanding of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and the roles of various US Government agencies in SDA.
• Experience with the US DOW and/or IC space programs.
• Active DOE Q clearance

Note to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses all the minimum requirements of the position.

Work Environment:

Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Regular

Regular