Senior Program Manager

Who you are

• 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
• 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
• We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application!

What the job involves

• Muon seeks a Senior 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 PM 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
• 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

• 100% health, dental, and vision coverage for employees; 50% coverage for dependents (Concierge Medical offered through One Medical where available)
• Parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers
• Generous time off policy
• 401(k) plan through Betterment and equity management through Carta
• Fully stocked kitchen at our HQ and we cater lunch 3 days per week
• Dog-friendly office