Configuration Manager Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are: 

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled connectivity, we deliver multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe.

Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission-critical communications.

We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you'll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real-world impact across today's most critical missions.

What You'll Do:

The Program Configuration Manager role will lead and maintain configuration control across spacecraft, ground systems, and mission-critical software. This role ensures that all hardware, software and documentation are properly defined, controlled and traceable throughout the full program lifecycle. The Configuration Manager (CM) will provide guidance and influence Program Leadership in the execution of all phases of CDM principles (Configuration Identification, Change Control, Status Accounting, Verification/Audits, Data Mgmt., etc.). Responsibilities include reviewing, updating, and maintaining CDM processes documentation, auditing and evaluating compliance with these processes, sharing best practices among the program IPT, and implementing Corrective Actions resulting from audit findings to ensure continuous improvement. 

Configuration Planning and Strategy

• Develop and implement configuration management (CM) plans, processes and procedures.
• Lead end to end configuration activities across program lifecycle (design, build, launch) ensuring alignment with mission objectives.
• Drive baseline establishment and maintain configuration integrity across program milestones.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to configuration discrepancies or uncontrolled changes.

Change Control Management

• Serve as the primary CM IPT point of contact for configuration related inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and standards (DoD expectations).
• Develop and implement Change Control Board (CCB)
• Support audits, reviews, and data requests with accurate documentation.
• Improve stakeholder confidence in configuration data accuracy.

Configuration Audits and Verification

• Streamline configuration management process to comply with best industry practices
• Plan and conduct functional configurations audits.
• Verify that systems match documentation and meet requirements
• Support program reviews when necessary (PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR) and maintains version control.

Technical Data and Documentation Management

• Ensure all configuration activities align with contract requirements, including SOW's, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Maintain control of contract deliverables and technical data packages.
• Support data governance and compliance.
• Maintain a single source of truth for all configuration data.

Financial Management

• Track CM related budgets (tools, resources, data management systems).
• Reduce cost overruns driven by uncontrolled changes.
• Optimize process to reduce rework and inefficiencies tied to poor configuration control.

Who You Are: 

You are a detail-oriented systems thinker who ensures complex programs remain controlled, traceable, and executable across hardware, software, and technical data. You've led configuration management efforts in regulated environments, applying principles like change control, baseline management, and audit readiness to keep programs aligned from design through operations. You operate comfortably across engineering teams and program leadership, serving as the connective tissue that drives consistency, reduces risk, and prevents costly rework. You bring a practical approach to implementing CM processes that teams adopt, improving data integrity and stakeholder confidence. Ultimately, you enable disciplined execution by bringing structure, visibility, and accountability to mission-critical systems.

• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
• Strong understanding and experience with configuration management standards and practices (e.g., ISO, ANSI, CMII).
• Strong knowledge of how business processes work together to ensure interfaces with other business processes are efficient.
• Desire for and ability to influence change.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in achieving results through understanding and management of internal customer relationships, prioritization, and delegation of tasks.
• Certification in Configuration Management (e.g., CMII-P, CMC).
• Experience with ERP (Costpoint), and other business systems.
• Experience working within DoD configuration management requirements.
• Experience in a highly regulated or technology-driven industry.
• Active U.S. SECRET or higher security clearance preferred

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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