PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - SR. PROGRAM MANAGER-R&D - Spacecraft Development

Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio, Texas Or Austin
3 days ago

Highlights

10+ years: Demonstrated capability to successfully promote and lead technical space programs and projects of significant scope and complexity, typically involving multiple sections or divisions, several clients, and multidisciplinary teams, while meeting/exceeding cost and schedule goals. 10+ years: Proven success in building and sustaining technical or research program areas, including developing new strategic areas of interest with clear potential for future growth and multi-year funding, and a strong record of establishing, maintaining, and expanding client relationships.

Numbers & Facts

Location	San Antonio, Texas Or Austin
Industry	Engineering Services
Company Size	2,000 to 2,499 employees
Year Founded	1947
Website	http://www.swri.org/

Description

Who We Are:

The Spacecraft Development Department is a group of innovative engineers, program managers, and technicians developing unique spacecraft solutions for challenging space missions. We design and fabricate custom solutions to explore the boundaries of science or solve complex problems not yet delivered by industry to accommodate a variety of payloads.

Objectives of this Role:

Lead execution of mid- to large-scale spacecraft programs from concept through integration-ready, flight-worthy systems, delivering predictable cost, schedule, and technical performance.
Provide technical and program leadership for cutting-edge spacecraft and mission development, ensuring technical rigor, readiness, and seamless system and payload integration.
Drive business development and strategic planning for spacecraft in commercial, civil government, DoD, and international markets, shaping mission concepts and converting opportunities into funded programs.
Manage program resources, capital equipment, budgets, and governance processes (scope, IMS, risk, EV, policies) to support growth, execution excellence, and strong long-term customer relationships.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

Direct cross-functional teams to design, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver spacecraft systems.
Resolve technical and schedule issues to keep programs on baseline and launch/integration-ready.
Conduct formal program control and reporting (IMS health, cost/EVM/burn, forecasts), preparing executive- and customer-ready status briefings, variance analyses, and recovery plans.
Lead customer engagement and business development cadence—requirements refinement, opportunity shaping, proposals and cost estimates, capture plans, and technical presentations—to win and grow spacecraft programs.
Oversee team performance and development, including tasking, accountability, resourcing, and mentoring staff in spacecraft engineering processes, tools, and best practices.

Requirements:

Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering or related technical or space-related engineering field with relevant experience.
PMP or similar certification preferred but not required with demonstrated project management experience.
10+ years: Demonstrated capability to successfully promote and lead technical space programs and projects of significant scope and complexity, typically involving multiple sections or divisions, several clients, and multidisciplinary teams, while meeting/exceeding cost and schedule goals.
10+ years: Proven success in building and sustaining technical or research program areas, including developing new strategic areas of interest with clear potential for future growth and multi-year funding, and a strong record of establishing, maintaining, and expanding client relationships.
10+ years: Outstanding organizational, management, technical, and interpersonal skills, with excellent verbal and written communication; a track record of effectively leading others, administering to their technical and professional development needs.
A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Benefits

Paid Sick Days, Parking, Professional Development, Employee Referral Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Events, Retirement / Pension Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Care on Site, Merchandise Discounts, Military Leave, On Site Cafeteria

About Company

We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.

TECHNICAL DIVISIONS

Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO

IN THE COMMUNITY

Our staff is expert at developing solutions that help build a better tomorrow today; and that practical, innovative spirit carries through to our community interactions. Staff members generously donate time and outher resources to support food drives, blood drives, and other

outreach programs.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Southwest Research Institute has earned 43 R&D 100 awards since 1971. Each year R&D Magazine recognizes developments regarded as among the 100 most significant technical accomplishments. The Chicago Tribune dubbed the program "the Oscars of Invention".