Program Launch Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.

Scout Space is seeking a mission-driven Technical Program Manager (TPM) with deep expertise in space systems development, payload integration, and execution of government-funded aerospace programs. The TPM is responsible for driving the successful execution of complex payload programs, working closely with engineering, product, operations, and government stakeholders to ensure delivery that is timely, compliant, and impactful. Operating at the intersection of technical execution and program leadership, the TPM manages schedules, mitigates risks, and aligns cross-functional teams around shared objectives, while defining and guiding functional requirements and roadmaps, monitoring and communicating progress, and measuring program performance. In addition, the TPM will support the Chief Product Officer and Director of Programs in establishing standardized processes and best practices across the program portfolio, while helping to scale and mentor the growing program management office.
Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of products for commercial and government customers from contract award through design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations
• Serve as the primary point of contact with internal teams and external shareholders, ensuring clear communication, alignment to program objectives, and adherence to scope, schedule, and contractual requirements
• Manage program scope, schedule, milestones, budget, and deliverables, including ownership of integrated master schedules (IMS) and resource planning across multi-disciplinary teams
• Develop and oversee production plans, procurement strategy, and inventory management to support time-phased build schedules and multiple concurrent payload deliveries
• Support the Lead Systems Engineer/Architect with development of constellation concepts of operations (CONOPS), system requirements, and architecture trades to ensure alignment between mission objectives and technical implementation
• Track program performance using defined cost, schedule, and technical metrics, and communicate status, risks, and progress to senior leadership and customers through regular program reviews
• Proactively identify and manage risks, opportunities, mitigations, and change requests, ensuring timely resolution and minimal impact to program execution
• Support proposal development, contract execution, and customer briefings, including development of schedules, staffing plans, and technical/programmatic inputs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• 5–8+ years of experience in technical program management, systems engineering, or related roles within aerospace, defense, or space systems
• Experience leading or supporting execution of space hardware programs (payloads, spacecraft, or subsystems) through development, integration, test, and operations
• Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary system development, including mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and/or GNC domains
• Experience managing complex schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with requirements management, verification and validation (V&V), and traceability across system, subsystem, and mission levels (e.g., ensuring alignment from CONOPS through test and delivery)
• Familiarity with U.S. government contracting environments (e.g., SBIR, STRATFI, TACFI, OTA, or FAR-based programs)
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and drive programs forward with limited oversight
• Strong communication skills with experience briefing both technical teams and executive or customer stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business (MBA)
• Experience with space domain awareness (SDA), remote sensing, or optical payload systems
• Familiarity with flight software, autonomy, or onboard data processing architectures
• Experience supporting production scaling or multiple payload builds in parallel
• Experience leading end-to-end requirements decomposition and verification planning for flight programs, including ownership through design reviews (PDR/CDR) and test campaigns
• Experience integrating CONOPS, requirements, test, and operations into a closed-loop execution model, linking mission objectives to on-orbit performance
• PMP or equivalent program management certification
• Active or inactive TS/SCI clearance

Benefits:

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We're Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $140,000 - $200,000