Section Head

Job ID: 8549

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Section Head to support the Small Satellite Portfolio under SDL’s Satellite Technology Branch.  Work focuses on leading a portfolio of programs that are executed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM.  The Section Head is responsible for the tactical execution of programs and the strategic planning of the Small Satellite Portfolio.  A successful candidate will manage the portfolio supporting various federal customers and establish and maintain working relationships with government PMs and technical staff.  The Section Head may also have a program management responsibility for some programs.  This effort also includes providing oversight for strategic planning, research, design, development, operation, testing, and systems engineering of new and innovative space systems. 

The section head oversees program execution throughout the life cycle from concept through demonstration, development, delivery and operations. For a subset of the programs the section head may have a program management responsibility as the program manager or deputy program manager.  The candidate must be able to lead and inspire a diverse and geographically separated team; manage programmatic elements, including cost, schedule, and technical performance; work closely with highly technical personnel; understand customer needs and identify appropriate resources to fulfill operational requirements.  The Section Head will have both program managers and engineering staff as direct reports. 

The work location is on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM.

At SDL, we take pride in and highly value our employees.  SDL offers competitive salaries and fantastic benefits, including:

• Flexible work schedules
• Generous paid leisure and sick leave, ensuring you never miss a special event
• A 14.2% employer retirement contribution into a 401(a) account—no matching required!
• Favorable company locations with average commute times of less than 15 minutes
• Utah State University undergraduate tuition discounts of 50%, full reimbursement for graduate tuition, and free course audits for employees and dependents meeting eligibility requirements
• Access to USU facilities and USU staff privileges
• High-quality, low-cost health, dental, and life insurance
• A great, highly educated team that works together to solve some of the most fascinating problems on (and off) our planet
• We are a growing company that maintains both a family feel and high retention rate with over 90% job satisfaction

Responsibilities:

• Oversee program execution, program risk management, ensuring on-cost, on-schedule and meeting requirements
• Coordinate section resources, staffing, and facility needs
• Identifies critical resource gaps (staff, facilities, etc.) to support programs
• Directly supervise program managers and provide leadership functions including mentoring, training, motivating, appraising, rewarding, balancing workload, and team building
• Help interview, recruit, and retain top talent, assisting with HR processes as needed
• Branch-level reporting and escalation as required, including weekly status reports for section programs, monthly program assurance charts, and operations review support
• Direct support and leadership for business development activities, including proposal support and approvals, customer visits, technical conferences, and marketing materials for efforts within the section
• Building relationships with customers in portfolio with periodic travel to their facilities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five or more years of experience in program management
• Previous experience leading a project or team
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage a team, develop program schedules and manage budgets to meet deadlines and customer expectations
• Effective communicator and presenter
• Sound analytical skills with ability to identify and grasp business issues and opportunities and link to overall business strategies
• Able to travel, sometimes frequently
• Models a strong work ethic
• Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Desired Experience

• Program experience in the fields of aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering
• Understanding of DoD contracting and procurement processes

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense's aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success. 

For questions or assistance with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

EOE including Disability and Vet