Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - SR. PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - Spacecraft Development

Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Astronautical, Space Systems, or Systems Engineering.
  • 10+ years of experience leading technical space programs across multiple divisions and clients.
  • PMP certification preferred with a strong background in project management.
  • Successful track record in developing strategic areas with growth potential and sustaining client relationships.
  • Exceptional organizational, management, and communication skills with experience in mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

  • Lead execution of mid- to large-scale spacecraft programs from concept to flight-ready systems.
  • Direct cross-functional teams to design, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver spacecraft systems.
  • Resolve technical and schedule issues to maintain program baselines.
  • Prepare executive and customer-ready status briefings, variance analyses, and recovery plans.
  • Engage with customers for business development, refining requirements, and shaping proposals.
  • Oversee team performance through tasking, accountability, and staff mentoring in engineering processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness plans.
  • Retirement savings plans with company match.
  • Professional development opportunities and tuition assistance.
  • Paid time off and holiday pay.
  • Flexible work schedule options.
Full Job Description
Objectives of this Role:

  • Lead execution of mid- to large-scale spacecraft programs from concept through integration-ready, flight-worthy systems, delivering predictable cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Provide technical and program leadership for cutting-edge spacecraft and mission development, ensuring technical rigor, readiness, and seamless system and payload integration.
  • Drive business development and strategic planning for spacecraft in commercial, civil government, DoD, and international markets, shaping mission concepts and converting opportunities into funded programs.
  • Manage program resources, capital equipment, budgets, and governance processes (scope, IMS, risk, EV, policies) to support growth, execution excellence, and strong long-term customer relationships.


Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

  • Direct cross-functional teams to design, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver spacecraft systems.
  • Resolve technical and schedule issues to keep programs on baseline and launch/integration-ready.
  • Conduct formal program control and reporting (IMS health, cost/EVM/burn, forecasts), preparing executive- and customer-ready status briefings, variance analyses, and recovery plans.
  • Lead customer engagement and business development cadence-requirements refinement, opportunity shaping, proposals and cost estimates, capture plans, and technical presentations-to win and grow spacecraft programs.
  • Oversee team performance and development, including tasking, accountability, resourcing, and mentoring staff in spacecraft engineering processes, tools, and best practices.


Requirements:

  • Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering or related technical or space-related engineering field with relevant experience.
  • PMP or similar certification preferred but not required with demonstrated project management experience.
  • 10+ years: Demonstrated capability to successfully promote and lead technical space programs and projects of significant scope and complexity, typically involving multiple sections or divisions, several clients, and multidisciplinary teams, while meeting/exceeding cost and schedule goals.
  • 10+ years: Proven success in building and sustaining technical or research program areas, including developing new strategic areas of interest with clear potential for future growth and multi-year funding, and a strong record of establishing, maintaining, and expanding client relationships.
  • 10+ years: Outstanding organizational, management, technical, and interpersonal skills, with excellent verbal and written communication; a track record of effectively leading others, administering to their technical and professional development needs.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.


Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas Or Austin, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Space Systems home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

About Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a non-profit research and development organization headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The institute was founded in 1947 and has since grown to employ over 3,000 people across multiple locations in the United States. SwRI provides research and development services to a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and energy. The institute's research areas include automation and data systems, chemistry and chemical engineering, and space science and engineering. SwRI has a long history of working with government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense, as well as private companies.
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