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Sr. Program Manager Satellite Payload Development/Production
Scottsdale, AZMarch 31st, 2026
Job TitlePayload Development Program Manager for Space Systems
Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent is required plus a minimum of 10 years relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 8 years relevant experience to meet managerial expectations.CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense TS security clearance is required at time of hire. Candidates must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance within a reasonable amount of time from date of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this PositionJob Description:
Develop industry-leading RF satellite payloads for National Security Space programs, working with payload architects and build/test teams to revolutionize both on-board processing capability and time-to-market.
As a Payload Development Program Manager for our Space Systems business area, you will lead teams of specialists in satellite electronics design and production to build, test, and deliver high-performance RF and processing equipment to our prime contractor customers. You will manage multi-$100M program(s) sponsored by our National Security Space customers. You will be responsible for program execution, customer relationships, program sales/earnings/cash-flow goals and forecasts, and program shaping strategies to manage execution risk while delivering next-generation capabilities supporting our customer's mission. In partnership with our engineering project managers, you will create program execution plans and schedules, proactively manage risks and opportunities, and skillfully address schedule and technical issues. You will present program status and strategies to corporate executives and customer senior leaders. In partnership with our Business Development professionals, you will lead proposals to win new and follow-on programs.
In this role you'll be exposed to cutting-edge technologies, leading cross-functional teams of engineering and manufacturing professionals to develop advanced microelectronics, AI/ML technologies, advanced digital signal processing, and high throughput mission processing capabilities for application in Radio Frequency (RF) systems and other complex National Security space systems.
Preferred Skills and ExperiencesProven program management experience with high-reliability spaceflight hardware for National Security Space, strong foundation in Earned Value Management and structured risk management, or leadership in RF payload development and production.
The primary execution team is based in Scottsdale, AZ. We will also consider candidates based out of our offices in Chantilly, VA, Pittsburgh, PA, or San Jose, CA.
What you'll experience:
Technologies that aren't just top-notch, they're often top-secret
A team of bold thinkers committed to exploring what's next
Opportunities to gain new knowledge - as it's discovered
What you bring to the table:
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus a minimum of 8 years relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 6 years relevant experience to meet managerial expectations
Strong knowledge of products and technologies including current and potential applications
Skilled in the development and implementation of product/program strategy and tactics, particularly related to lower rate production of build to print hardware designs, demonstrating the ability to identify and implement efficiency improvements
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to relay issues, impacts, and corrective actions on programs to internal and external representatives
Proven experience managing critical customer relationships ensuring healthy collaboration while protecting the program from scope creep.
Demonstrated skills understanding and carefully managing complex contracts and contract requirements
What sets you apart:
Mission focus, with willingness to learn our customer's mission and advocate for our solutions in mission terms using the customer's vocabulary
Experience in resolving schedule challenges and implementing contingency plans, as well as overseeing recovery from build/test issues
Experience managing scope control on complex development/production contracts, including fixed-price contracts
Interest in overseeing programs with a strong component of technology maturation and technology risk management, and willingness to learn the related RF technology fundamentals
Comfortable managing a portfolio that evolves over time; at times, you may be responsible for one large program or multiple smaller technology development programs
Ability to work collaboratively with highly experienced engineers and architects to solve technical and programmatic challenges, including design-to-cost and design-to-schedule
This role can be onsite or flex. but must be based from one of the locations listed above.
#LI-Hybrid
Salary NoteThis estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary RangeUSD $203,851.00 - USD $220,574.00 /Yr.
Company OverviewGeneral Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
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