Job Description
What is the mission?
Ignite matures and transitions capabilities focused on our Space Enterprise internal and external customer needs. This senior manager leads a pipeline of programs under the LM Space Ignite, Advanced Capabilities Electro-optics & Security (ACES) directorate. The ACES team conducts applied research and rapid prototyping of systems & subsystems in relevant or operational environments, develops first-of-kind optical systems, and supports national defense with electro-optics and other technologies. This role will coordinate the creation of discriminating and disruptive technologies, and performance of first-of-kind demonstrations in support of critical national needs in areas including directed energy, power beaming and space domain awareness. The position will support activities with multiple LM and government entities and requires a TS/SCI clearance.
We are seeking a Senior Manager who will have a significant impact on the ACES organization. You will become part of our management team and will lead the successful staffing and execution of a broad subarea of our portfolio including optics, optical beam control, and mechanism control systems. We will look to you to provide leadership in executing activities in support of LM Space, the Corporation, and external stakeholders. In order to accomplish this, you will work closely with Space Lines Of Business (LOBs), Mission Strategy & Advanced Capability (MSAC) organizations, the Engineering & Technology Talent Centers and Chief Engineer's Office, Mission Success, other Ignite directorates such as the Optical Sensing & Exploitation and Space Sciences & Instrumentation directorates, and the Financial & Business Operations group to execute these activities.
What does this role look like?
Key Responsibilities
• Analyze optics, electro optics, remote sensing, and defense technology requirements for Space LOBs and MSACs.
• Act as the ACES liaison for Lockheed Martin LOBs/MSACs, with a focus on Bay Area groups.
• Create vision statements and strategic plans for core technical domains.
• Lead development of technology roadmaps and transition plans for new systems.
• Ensure programs meet cost, schedule, and performance targets.
• Serve as Program Management Lead on selected projects and as Capture Manager for targeted pursuits.
• Prepare and submit technical proposals.
• Train & mentor junior program managers and principal investigators in capture, pursuit, and program management best practices.
• Lead a California based team of managers, principal scientists, and technical staff; oversee hiring, performance reviews, and career development.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation.
• Serve as the primary ACES contact for the Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and Santa Cruz sites.
• Coordinate ACES activities between California and Colorado to ensure seamless collaboration.
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in an ACES relevant field (e.g., optics, quantum information science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics)
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a research & development (R&D) management role
• At least 10 years managing R&D programs with full responsibility for budget (60; $1 M / yr), schedule, and technical performance
• Demonstrated record of winning and leading competitive R&D proposals
• Skilled at juggling multiple priorities and making data driven decisions
• Experience working with geographically dispersed, multi disciplinary teams and external business units
• History of effective collaboration with business colleagues to achieve shared goals
• Strong written and verbal skills; adept at presenting to diverse audiences and building relationships with employees, leaders, and stakeholders
• Ability to translate complex technologies and concepts for both expert and non expert audiences
• Thrives in fast paced environments and can adjust to shifting priorities and requirements
• Willing and able to travel as needed
• Active Top Secret clearance
Desired skills
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in an ACES relevant science or engineering discipline (e.g., physics, optics, aerospace).
• 10+ years of combined technical and leadership experience, with a proven track record in strategy formulation and maturing innovative optical technologies for national security missions.
• 15 years of experience in aerospace and/or defense research & development.
• Demonstrated success leading the development of space qualified hardware and payloads.
• 605 years in systems engineering or as an architecture lead.
• Strong background in R&D business development, securing funding for cutting edge optical and defense solutions, and scaling the business.
• Experience overseeing technology portfolios valued at >$5 M per year.
• Proven capability managing teams of 15+ personnel.
• Holds Top Secret, SCI, and Special Access Program clearances.
• Broad customer exposure across relevant government entities (Title 10 and Title 50).
• Well established internal and external professional network within the aerospace, defense, and optics communities.
