Sovereign Program Manager

HawkEye 360•Herndon, VA

About The Position

The Sovereign Program Manager supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of sovereign and national-level programs within the RF and space systems portfolio. This role blends technical knowledge in RF, satellite communications, payload systems, and space architecture with hands-on program management responsibilities. The position helps ensure programs meet customer mission needs, follow required security and compliance guidelines, and are executed reliably and on schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field preferred; advanced degree welcomed.
10+ years of experience in RF, satellite communications, or space systems.
5+ years supporting or managing complex programs for defense or sovereign customers.
Knowledge of RF space missions and payload architecture.
Ability to work within secure and compliance-driven environments.
A strategic thinker with a proven track record of PMO governance who seamlessly transitions into tactical, execution-focused roles to meet project demands.
Experience supporting complex, multi-year programs with mission-critical dependencies.
Strong understanding of RF and space systems, spectrum considerations, and secure communications.
Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems, payload technologies, mission operations, and ground segment integration.
Ability to operate within regulated or classified environments and meet sovereign customer requirements.
Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with RF hardware development, secure waveform design, or payload integration.
Background supporting defense ministries, government agencies, or national-level programs.
Experience working with geographically distributed or cross-cultural teams.
Program management or systems engineering certification (e.g., PMP, INCOSE CSEP).

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day program activities for sovereign RF and space initiatives, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and customer requirements are met.
Serve as a technical and operational point of contact for sovereign customers and government partners.
Provide technical support on RF system design, payload architectures, link performance, and waveform considerations.
Coordinate work across multi-disciplinary engineering teams covering spacecraft, payload, ground systems, and RF subsystems.
Monitor program baselines, risks, financial status, and contract deliverables to maintain program health.
Ensure adherence to sovereign security guidelines, export controls, and specialized regulatory requirements.
Support development of program plans, schedules, and technology updates that improve mission performance and system resilience.
Work closely with engineering, operations, security, and supply chain teams to keep program execution aligned and integrated.
Contribute technical input for design reviews, trade studies, and major program checkpoints.
Promote strong team collaboration, clear communication, and consistent execution across program activities.