Job Summary

The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) in the College of Engineering is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Project Manager for Space Flight Projects to provide technical and project leadership for current and future space mission and instrument development projects.

SPRL is a facility of the College of Engineering that serves clients who are faculty, government agencies (such as NASA , NOAA, and DoD), and commercial companies in the development of unique integrated systems and instrumentation that are often used in challenging environments (e.g. space, artic, above/on/below the water). SPRL professional staff, with faculty and researchers, have built more than 35 space systems and instruments; instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft; and developed ground-based instruments. For eight decades, this lab has been one of a handful of university centers able to conceive, design, construct, test, and operate space flight instruments - a truly "end-to-end" operation.

The Project Manager will be responsible, along with the project Principal Investigator, for all key client communications on project execution against project requirements, schedule, and cost. The Project Manager will plan, coordinate and help to manage Project Team activities by developing project plans, organizing design reviews, setting meeting agendas, developing action item lists, and developing similar work products.

Responsibilities*

• Develop project plans to address contractual requirements, client needs, and organizational needs for project management
• Facilitate communication between key client managers, stakeholders, project team members, and contractors
• Develop, maintain, and report on a project plan and other project planning documents including but not limited to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and the baseline cost plan for the entire project
• Identify and track both critical path and "in the shadow of the critical path" tasks
• Maintain and report on key milestones as well as summary tasks. As needed, track spending, estimates at completion, balances, and develop revised estimates as needed
• Coordinate with key stakeholders, keeping them informed of project progress, identifying and tracking issues that are of specific concern to the government client's managers and key stakeholders
• Provide briefings and oral presentations to key stakeholders and client managers
• Ensure issues, concerns, requirements and priorities of each party are successfully transmitted to all parties and that project planning reflects client needs
• Prepare meeting agendas and summaries for regular project review meetings
• Proposal management and comparative proposal cost analysis
• Other duties which may evolve from this position include new bid and proposal development responsibilities, and project portfolio management responsibilities
• LEAD: Manage other project manager support personnel. Expectation to manage one or more very large projects (more than 10 personnel, more than $2M annual budget) as part of a project portfolio. Lead business and relationship development. Lead process improvement activities for financial reporting, personnel management, and project management, and contribute to process improvement activities in other areas such as engineering documentation, fabrication, and contract and supplier management.
• SENIOR (Underfill): Manage one or more large projects (more than 5 personnel, more than $500k project annual budget). Lead proposal efforts in the area of project management. Contribute to business development activities. Contribute to process improvement activities for financial reporting, personnel management, project management, engineering documentation.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent degree directly related to the position duties, with at least six years of project management experience (at least 4 years for the senior level), including systems engineering management and/or personnel management, supporting NASA, DOD, commercial aerospace, or similar clients. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience in the use of standard project planning and management tools (MS Project, Jira, OpenProject, Asana or similar)
• Knowledge of specific portfolio under management in heliophysics, planetary, earth observing, or manned space missions, or military or NASA technology missions
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including written and verbal reporting, organizing meetings and large technical gatherings, and public speaking
• Knowledge of the unique requirements for electronics and/or materials required for operating in the space environment, especially as applied to small satellites or landing vehicles
• Experience working constructively with a team of fabrication technicians and engineers

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's Degree in Space Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience in the project management of complex space instrumentation, especially managing flight hardware deliverables to NASA or industry
• Experience working with students on space systems projects
• Professional project management certification through PMI or other recognized certification organization

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Project Senior Manager (Job Code: 103529)

Additional Information

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

283113

Working Title

Project Lead Manager

Job Title

Project Lead Manager

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

CoE Space Physics Research Lab

Posting Begin/End Date

9/17/2026 - 10/01/2026

Salary

$102,000.00 - $150,000.00

Career Interest

Administration