Leidos
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Space Payload Deputy Program Manager
role at
Leidos
Apply below after reading through all the details and supporting information regarding this job opportunity. Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. This range is provided by Leidos. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $134,550.00/yr - $243,225.00/yr Description At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Leidos Defense Systems Sector
provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here! The Space Sensing and Security Portfolio within the Leidos Space Systems Division at Leidos currently has an opening for a
Space Payload Deputy Program Manager
to work in our San Diego, CA or Huntsville, AL office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience managing the design, build, and test of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) payloads where Leidos is transforming payload solutions for the future. As a Space Payload Program Manager, you’ll directly support the division by leading a talented team through an aggressive schedule to achieve program objectives, including frequent customer interface. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in program management within the aerospace or defense sectors and drive strategic thought, system solutions, and client management across all aspects of the lifecycle. Day-to-day activities in this role include operations and execution of the contract, subcontract, finance, security, staffing, and procurement. You’ll monitor and manage program performance, risk, cost, and schedule; review and submit all deliverables; and prepare contract modification proposals (technical and cost). The ideal candidate will possess superior analytical and problem-solving skills, operate independently with limited supervision, be a strong team player, and establish solid working relationships with technical staff and external customers. The Space Payload Program Manager should be able to articulate technical challenges to executive leadership and work closely with engineering teams to identify and mitigate technical risks. Primary Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end management of space payload programs, from concept through delivery, ensuring alignment with DoD requirements and company objectives. Oversee development, testing, and integration of space payloads, coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones on time and within budget. Establish program management processes including WBS, IMS, Risk and Opportunity management, and EVMS. Develop RFIs and BOEs, and approve proposals on behalf of program management. Negotiate SOW, T&Cs, and pricing with subcontractors and customers. Serve as the primary contact for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and reporting. Develop and maintain detailed program plans, schedules, and budgets, tracking progress and implementing corrective actions. Ensure compliance with all regulatory, security, and quality standards pertinent to DoD and space payload operations. Facilitate risk management and mitigation strategies, conducting regular assessments and maintaining contingency plans. Mentor junior program managers and team members, fostering continuous improvement. Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers for timely delivery of components meeting specifications. Ensure proper staffing to execute scope of work on time and within budget. Establish and maintain program business rhythm. Work closely with subcontract program managers to ensure on-time delivery. Oversee development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of payloads, using key metrics to ensure on-track delivery. Basic Qualifications
Active DoD Secret clearance or higher. Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of relevant experience or Master’s with 13+ years of experience. Proven experience managing complex aerospace or defense projects, including electro/optical products. Strong understanding of PM activities: EVMS, schedule, customer engagement, managing FFP contracts. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Experience managing engineering resources and standing up new teams. Background in Systems or Project Engineering. Adaptability and motivation to grow and learn. Broad technical management experience in electro-optical sensors, risk analysis, and system development. Preferred Qualifications
Active Top-Secret clearance or ability to obtain. Master’s degree in a relevant field. Experience translating requirements into tasks. Experience managing space payload R&D, prototypes, low-volume production. Vehicle/platform integration and testing experience. Leadership in engineering organization. Familiarity with Agile methodologies. Strong problem-solving skills and success in contract wins. Original Posting: July 16, 2025
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Space Payload Deputy Program Manager
role at
Leidos
Apply below after reading through all the details and supporting information regarding this job opportunity. Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. This range is provided by Leidos. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $134,550.00/yr - $243,225.00/yr Description At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Leidos Defense Systems Sector
provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here! The Space Sensing and Security Portfolio within the Leidos Space Systems Division at Leidos currently has an opening for a
Space Payload Deputy Program Manager
to work in our San Diego, CA or Huntsville, AL office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience managing the design, build, and test of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) payloads where Leidos is transforming payload solutions for the future. As a Space Payload Program Manager, you’ll directly support the division by leading a talented team through an aggressive schedule to achieve program objectives, including frequent customer interface. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in program management within the aerospace or defense sectors and drive strategic thought, system solutions, and client management across all aspects of the lifecycle. Day-to-day activities in this role include operations and execution of the contract, subcontract, finance, security, staffing, and procurement. You’ll monitor and manage program performance, risk, cost, and schedule; review and submit all deliverables; and prepare contract modification proposals (technical and cost). The ideal candidate will possess superior analytical and problem-solving skills, operate independently with limited supervision, be a strong team player, and establish solid working relationships with technical staff and external customers. The Space Payload Program Manager should be able to articulate technical challenges to executive leadership and work closely with engineering teams to identify and mitigate technical risks. Primary Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end management of space payload programs, from concept through delivery, ensuring alignment with DoD requirements and company objectives. Oversee development, testing, and integration of space payloads, coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones on time and within budget. Establish program management processes including WBS, IMS, Risk and Opportunity management, and EVMS. Develop RFIs and BOEs, and approve proposals on behalf of program management. Negotiate SOW, T&Cs, and pricing with subcontractors and customers. Serve as the primary contact for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and reporting. Develop and maintain detailed program plans, schedules, and budgets, tracking progress and implementing corrective actions. Ensure compliance with all regulatory, security, and quality standards pertinent to DoD and space payload operations. Facilitate risk management and mitigation strategies, conducting regular assessments and maintaining contingency plans. Mentor junior program managers and team members, fostering continuous improvement. Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers for timely delivery of components meeting specifications. Ensure proper staffing to execute scope of work on time and within budget. Establish and maintain program business rhythm. Work closely with subcontract program managers to ensure on-time delivery. Oversee development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of payloads, using key metrics to ensure on-track delivery. Basic Qualifications
Active DoD Secret clearance or higher. Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of relevant experience or Master’s with 13+ years of experience. Proven experience managing complex aerospace or defense projects, including electro/optical products. Strong understanding of PM activities: EVMS, schedule, customer engagement, managing FFP contracts. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Experience managing engineering resources and standing up new teams. Background in Systems or Project Engineering. Adaptability and motivation to grow and learn. Broad technical management experience in electro-optical sensors, risk analysis, and system development. Preferred Qualifications
Active Top-Secret clearance or ability to obtain. Master’s degree in a relevant field. Experience translating requirements into tasks. Experience managing space payload R&D, prototypes, low-volume production. Vehicle/platform integration and testing experience. Leadership in engineering organization. Familiarity with Agile methodologies. Strong problem-solving skills and success in contract wins. Original Posting: July 16, 2025
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