Utah State University

Program Manager

Utah State University$150K — $210K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering, science, or relevant field
  • 15+ years of applicable experience with a bachelor's degree, or 13+ years with a master's degree
  • Minimum of 10 years of software program/project management experience, including at least 5 years managing critical and complex DoD programs
  • Must be a US citizen with an active US Government Security Clearance
  • Strong understanding of ground system architecture and satellite operations
  • Familiarity with Agile and/or hybrid project management frameworks
  • Technical domain knowledge of scalable architecture, distributed infrastructure in Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud

Responsibilities

  • Leads cross-functional software development teams delivering ground system capabilities including telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C)
  • Manages project lifecycle from concept through operations ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met
  • Interfaces with internal and external stakeholders including Software Engineers, System Architects, Satellite Operators, and government sponsors
  • Oversees risk management, change control, and related management processes
  • Coordinates software integration and testing activities
  • Facilitates agile/scrum or hybrid program management methodologies
  • Tracks and reports program status, technical progress, and resource allocation to senior leadership and customers

Benefits

  • Supports new proposal efforts with technical writing and proposal management support
  • Encouragement for a diverse range of candidates to apply
  • Flexibility for remote work options available
  • Opportunity for professional development and continuous learning
  • Potential travel opportunities to engage with stakeholders and partners
Full Job Description
Job ID: 8687A
Date Posted: August 25, 2026

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented advanced career Software Program Manager to lead the development and sustainment of complex software systems supporting satellite ground operations in the Strategic & Military Space Division. This role bridges technical leadership, stakeholder communication, and project execution, ensuring delivery of high-reliability software critical to national security and space missions.

The Program Manager will work as part of a larger team comprised of customers, Engineers, Managers, Technicians, and support personnel.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Leads cross-functional software development teams delivering ground system capabilities including telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), mission planning, automation, and data processing
  • Manages project lifecycle from concept through operations ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met
  • Interfaces with internal and external stakeholders including Software Engineers, System Architects, Satellite Operators, and government sponsors
  • Oversees risk management, change control, and related management processes
  • Coordinates software integration and testing activities
  • Facilitates agile/scrum or hybrid program management methodologies
  • Ensures compliance with applicable government and quality standards
  • Tracks and reports program status, technical progress, and resource allocation to senior leadership and customers
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering, science, or relevant field
  • 15+ years of applicable experience with a bachelor's degree, or 13+ years with a master's degree
  • Minimum of 10 years of software program/project management experience, including at least 5 years managing critical and complex DoD programs
  • Must be a US citizen with an active US Government Security Clearance
  • Proven success managing complex software projects through full development lifecycle
  • Strong understanding of ground system architecture and satellite operations
  • Familiarity with Agile and/or hybrid project management frameworks
  • Proficiency with PM tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, MS Project, etc.)
  • Technical domain knowledge of scalable architecture, distributed infrastructure in Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to support new proposal efforts with technical writing, proposal management support, subcontractor evaluation, and other duties as requested
  • Must be able and willing to travel (up to 25%)
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or Information Systems; Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a technical Bachelor of Science degree
  • PMP or PMI certification
  • At least 2 years in satellite or space system domains
  • 15+ years of project management experience in aerospace including experience managing software for space operations centers, antenna tasking, and mission control systems
  • Familiarity with multiple Remote Sensing phenomenologies and data sets such as RF, SAR, EO, IR
  • Background in DevSecOps, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), or digital engineering
  • Active security clearance
*Salary Range
  • $150,000 - $210,000
    • Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [redacted].

About Utah State University

Utah State University (USU) is a public land-grant research university in Logan, Utah. It is the flagship institution of the Utah State University System. USU offers programs in agriculture, engineering, business, economics, natural resources, and other fields. The university has about 17,000 students and 1,500 faculty members. USU is known for its research in agriculture, ecology, and engineering. The university has a large campus with many research facilities and a strong athletic program.
Learn more about Utah State University
Size
17,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Utah State University

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Program Manager jobs: