Senior Technical Program Manager
Muon Space•San Jose, CA
•Hybrid
About The Position
Muon seeks a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead delivery of next-generation Infrared Satellites. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at the intersection of payload engineering and rapid-cycle space vehicle development. The Senior TPM will be the single accountable owner for delivering the program on cost, schedule, and technical performance — managing a multi-disciplinary internal team, multiple subcontractors, and a critical-path vendor base for focal plane arrays, integrated detector cooler assemblies, cryocoolers, and optics. The role spans a full program lifecycle from preliminary design through on orbit demonstration. This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.
Requirements
- 8+ years of professional experience in program management of complex technical system development, deployment, and operations
- 5+ years of hands-on technical experience, preferably in an engineering or similar capacity
- Direct experience with space, defense, or aerospace industry program planning and execution
- Demonstrated experience managing programs with multiple subcontractors and a complex critical-path supply chain
- Prior experience executing rapid-acquisition contract vehicles for government customers, with familiarity navigating the government program lifecycle, technical data rights, and CDRL management
- Ability to get U.S. Top Secret clearance
- U.S. Citizenship required (program is ITAR-restricted)
- Excellent written communication skills — you will be authoring or approving every customer-facing deliverable on the program
Nice To Haves
- TS / SCI clearance
- Direct experience working with SDA, USSF Space Systems Command, MDA, or NRO customer offices
- Prior experience on a missile warning, missile tracking, OPIR, or HBTSS-class space-based IR program
- Working knowledge of MWIR sensor architectures, focal plane arrays, IDCAs, and cryocooler integration
- Experience managing programs through environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC)
- PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials
Responsibilities
- Own the integrated master schedule, cost baseline, and risk register
- Drive the program through preliminary and critical design reviews, sub-scale lab demonstration assembly, environmental test, and final reporting — meeting all customer milestones and contract data deliverables
- Manage the boundary between IR&D-funded and customer funded work to ensure each stays within scope, cost ceiling, and period of performance
- Serve as the primary day-to-day customer interface — leading kickoff, design reviews, demonstration briefings, and quarterly status reporting
- Author or approve all customer deliverables including status reports, design review packages, cost reduction and manufacturability analyses, test plans, and the program final report
- Partner with Muon's Capture and Business Development teams on transition strategy
- Manage program subcontracts for mission data processing / algorithm development and optical design
- Coordinate with critical-path vendors for focal plane arrays, IDCAs, and cryocoolers — across different funded long-lead procurements
- Ensure subcontractor cost stays within applicable funding limits and that all subcontract scope, cost, and schedule remain aligned with prime contract commitments
- Partner closely with the program Principal Investigator and technical leads (payload design, AI&T, optics, electronics, software, mechanisms, thermal, mission systems) to drive technical decision-making
- Own and actively work the program risk register, including supply chain, integration, and demonstration-event risks
- Drive resolution of cross-functional issues quickly; escalate to functional and program leadership when needed
- Ensure all program execution complies with contracting requirements, including U.S.-only performance, ITAR/EAR export controls, technical data rights, and CUI handling
- Coordinate with Contracts and Finance on subcontract changes, invoicing, and program financial reporting
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- a 401k retirement plan
- short & long term disability and life insurance
- three weeks paid vacation for new employees
- 12 paid holidays
- unlimited sick time
- paid parental leave
- competitive equity grant
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
