Technical Program Manager, Emerging Space Technologies

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Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.

The Emerging Space System Division is seeking a Technical Program Manager to support the development and integration of emerging space technologies, including space sensors, antennas, and laser systems for next-generation space payloads. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.

In this role, you will leverage your strong technical foundation to lead planning and execution of research, development, and prototyping efforts with R&D customers such as DARPA, ONR, and AFRL.You will play an active role in program capture by working with technical teams to develop Basis of Estimates to accurately cost future programs with monetized risk.Once program funding is secured, you will lead the successful execution of those programs to demonstrate breakthrough space technologies and transition to mission-ready production, while balancing complex engineering demands with internal corporate performance objectives.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Lead the full lifecycle execution of complex R&D programs, from initial concept through prototype development, integration, and field testing.

• Serve as the primary point of contact with the Government and Prime-Customers, to ensure milestones, budgets, and schedules are met.

• Execute program management using Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, including managing the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), tracking CPI/SPI, and conducting Variance Analysis.

• Report program performance to internal Leidos leadership, including regular PMRs, financial forecasting (EACs), and resource allocation.

• Drive the proposal process for new R&D efforts, including leading technical and cost volume development for DARPA & AFRL solicitations.

• Execute proposals and programs following Leidos’ internal processes and procedures.

• Work with other disciplines, e.g. Contracts, Subcontracts, Finance, Engineering Management, to ensure the successful execution of proposals and programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience, or a Master’s Degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.

• Must have direct experience applying Earned Value Management (EVM) methodology on DoD contracts, including formal reporting and reviews.

• Proven track record of managing DoD R&D programs, specifically with a focus on DARPA or AFRL contract vehicles.

• Demonstrated experience reporting program health and financial metrics to internal senior management within a matrixed corporate environment.

• Direct management experience in maturation of mid-TRL technologies (e.g., infrared or RF materials, novel sensors, photonics and lasers) through prototype development, integration, and testing.

• Strong understanding of the DoD Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) scales.

• Must have an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

• Robust sense of initiative, a self-starter who can work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading >$5M / year in customer-funded programs as the Program Manager.

• Prior experience as a Lead Engineer or Subject Matter Expert (SME) in space-relevant technologies before transitioning into Program Management.

• Active PMP certification.

• Specific experience navigating the transition of a DARPA or AFRL prototype into a formal Program of Record (PoR) or production line.

• Experience managing classified programs involving Special Access Programs (SAP).

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.