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Nasa Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Space Dynamics Laboratory

Mission Program Manager

Logan, UT · On-site

$135K - $220K/yr

Working alongside principal investigators, NASA program offices, external spacecraft providers, university partners, subcontractors, and SDL engineering teams, the Mission Program Manager will lead ...

Astrion

Program Manager

Merritt Island, FL

$169K - $253K/yr

Experience working with NASA contracts at Kennedy Space Center. * Demonstrated knowledge in ... As the Program Manager, ensures successful contract execution for the programs in the portfolio ...

GDIT

Senior Program Manager

Los Angeles, CA

$125K - $125K/yr

No GDIT is seeking a Senior Program Manager to support our NASA Business Area in driving the successful pursuit and execution of key initiatives across our growing NASA portfolio. GDIT is your place ...

New

Entarian

Program Manager

Greenbelt, MD · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Entarian is seeking a Program Director (PD) / Program Manager (PM) to support upcoming work at NASA to modernize, enhance, optimize and maintain critical IT systems for science data. Duties include:

Entarian

Program Manager

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Entarian is seeking a Program Director (PD) / Program Manager (PM) to support upcoming work at NASA to modernize, enhance, optimize and maintain critical IT systems for science data. Duties include:

@Orchard

Program Manager

Woods Hole, MA · Remote

... as NOAA, NASA, and EPA. This management role will be essential to winning and executing high-profile task orders, driving program success, and contributing to @Orchard's mission to advance our ...

Entarian

Program Manager

Greenbelt, MD · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Entarian is seeking a Program Director (PD) / Program Manager (PM) to support upcoming work at NASA to modernize, enhance, optimize and maintain critical IT systems for science data. Duties include:

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Nasa Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do nasa program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for nasa program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NASA Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NASA Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, aerospace engineering or a related field, and experience overseeing complex, multi-disciplinary projects, typically supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with project management software, NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR), and certifications such as PMP are commonly required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills help manage diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure the successful delivery of high-stakes programs critical to NASA's mission and objectives.

What does a NASA Program Manager do?

A NASA Program Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of large-scale projects or missions, such as satellite launches, space exploration initiatives, or technology development programs. They coordinate teams of scientists, engineers, and other professionals, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that projects meet technical and safety standards. Program Managers are responsible for communicating progress to stakeholders and making critical decisions to keep projects on track. Their role is essential to the success of NASA's scientific and exploratory goals.

What is the difference between Nasa Program Manager vs Nasa Project Manager?

AspectNasa Program ManagerNasa Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related field; often a master's or higher; PMP certification is commonSimilar educational background; PMP certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects or programs at NASA, focusing on strategic goalsManages specific projects within a program, ensuring deliverables and timelines
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across NASA for large-scale initiatives and long-term planningUsed for individual projects within NASA's larger programs

The main difference is that a Nasa Program Manager oversees multiple projects and aligns them with strategic objectives, while a Nasa Project Manager focuses on managing individual projects' execution and delivery within the program.

What are some common challenges faced by NASA Program Managers and how can they be addressed?

NASA Program Managers often face complex challenges, including coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing tightly regulated budgets, and ensuring adherence to strict project timelines. Balancing technical requirements with administrative tasks and navigating changes in project scope or funding can also be demanding. Successful program managers leverage strong communication skills, proactive risk management, and collaborative problem-solving to address these issues. Building a culture of transparency and adaptability within the team is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving mission objectives.
What cities are hiring for Nasa Program Manager jobs? Cities with the most Nasa Program Manager job openings:
What states have the most Nasa Program Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Nasa Program Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nasa Program Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Mission Program Manager

Mission Program Manager

Space Dynamics Laboratory

North Logan, UT • On-site

$135K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job ID: 8764
Date Posted: July 20, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Mission Program Manager to lead the formulation, capture, and execution of complex NASA and Civil Space missions within the Civil & Commercial Space Division (CVS).
This position provides a unique opportunity to lead end-to-end spaceflight missions-from early mission concept development and proposal capture through spacecraft and payload development, integration and test, launch, and mission operations. The selected candidate will serve as the mission-level program manager responsible for overall mission success across technical, cost, schedule, risk, customer satisfaction, and partner integration.
Working alongside principal investigators, NASA program offices, external spacecraft providers, university partners, subcontractors, and SDL engineering teams, the Mission Program Manager will lead geographically distributed teams developing innovative scientific space missions that advance discovery across astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, planetary science, and emerging civil space opportunities.
The successful candidate will thrive in both technical and programmatic leadership roles, bringing together diverse organizations around a common mission vision while maintaining disciplined execution throughout the project lifecycle.
About the Civil & Commercial Space Division
The Civil & Commercial Space Division develops complete mission solutions for NASA and commercial customers by combining world-class expertise in scientific instruments, spacecraft technologies, calibration systems, mission systems engineering, integration and test, mission operations, and program management.
Our teams help define, capture, build, launch, and operate missions that enable groundbreaking scientific discovery. Joining SDL means becoming part of an organization where technical excellence, innovation, and mission success drive everything we do.
Key Responsibilities
Mission Leadership
  • Lead end-to-end NASA and civil space missions from formulation through mission execution.
  • Serve as the mission-level authority responsible for overall technical, cost, schedule, and programmatic success.
  • Develop and maintain executable mission strategies that balance mission objectives, technical performance, affordability, and schedule.
Mission Formulation & Capture
  • Lead mission formulation activities including concept development, architecture trades, Phase 0/Phase A studies, and proposal planning.
  • Assist in development of mission implementation strategies in collaboration with principal investigators, customers, and technical leadership.
  • Lead development of competitive mission proposals, integrating technical, management, schedule, cost, and risk inputs into a cohesive mission solution.
  • Support customer engagement and opportunity shaping activities prior to formal solicitations.
Program Execution
  • Lead integrated development of spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
  • Direct multidisciplinary teams spanning SDL, universities, government organizations, industry partners, and subcontractors.
  • Ensure successful execution through all NASA lifecycle phases from formulation through Phase E operations.
  • Lead preparation for major NASA lifecycle reviews including Systems Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Flight Readiness Review (FRR), and other program milestones as applicable.
Customer & Partner Leadership
  • Build trusted relationships with NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers, principal investigators, commercial customers, and strategic partners.
  • Coordinate technical and programmatic activities across multiple organizations while maintaining alignment with mission objectives.
  • Resolve complex technical and programmatic issues through collaborative leadership.
Program Management Excellence
  • Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, and program execution strategies.
  • Apply Earned Value Management (EVMS) and other program management best practices throughout project execution.
  • Mentor project managers and develop future mission leaders.
  • Ensure mission commitments are achieved safely, successfully, and within contractual requirements.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or closely related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible aerospace experience, including at least 5 years leading complex spaceflight projects or programs in a Project Manager, Program Manager, Mission Manager, or equivalent leadership role.
  • Extensive experience leading complex aerospace development programs, including significant project or program management responsibility.
  • Experience managing development of integrated space systems including spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, or mission operations.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams across multiple organizations.
  • Strong understanding of NASA program lifecycle from formulation through mission operations.
  • Experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk.
  • Demonstrated experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
  • Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and customer relationship skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with scientists, engineers, executive leadership, customers, and external partners.
  • Ability to travel as required.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
  • Experience leading or supporting NASA competed mission proposals.
  • Experience working directly with NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers.
  • Experience supporting or leading Phase A through Phase E NASA missions.
  • Experience managing geographically distributed teams involving government, academia, and industry.
  • Experience with spacecraft development, scientific instruments, or mission operations.
*Typical Salary Range
$135,000 - $220,000
Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience
Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
At Space Dynamics Laboratory, you'll have the opportunity to lead missions that advance scientific discovery and expand humanity's understanding of our planet, our solar system, and the universe.
Our teams go beyond building components. We develop integrated mission solutions that combine cutting-edge instruments, spacecraft technologies, calibration systems, mission operations, and scientific partnerships into successful spaceflight programs.
You'll work alongside internationally recognized scientists, engineers, and mission leaders while helping shape the future of NASA and commercial space exploration.
SDL offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative culture built on technical excellence, integrity, and mission success.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

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