Senior Satellite Program Manager
Must-Have Requirements
- ✓8+ years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or complex technical programs
- ✓Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end program delivery
- ✓Deep experience building and executing Integrated Master Schedules
- ✓Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles
- ✓Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams under ambiguity
Nice to Have
- -Experience with multi-program ownership or portfolios
- -Familiarity with DCMA-style schedule health principles
- -Experience interfacing with government or institutional customers
Description
Loft Orbital is seeking a Senior Satellite Program Manager to lead execution of complex spacecraft and mission programs from contract award through on-orbit delivery. This role is accountable for establishing a credible program baseline and driving disciplined execution against it, across engineering, manufacturing, AIT, launch, and suppliers.
This is a hands-on execution leadership role — not a coordination role. You will build and own Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), manage cost and risk, and act as the primary execution interface to customers and internal leadership.
About this role
Program Ownership & Execution
Own end-to-end delivery of one or more complex satellite programs Establish and maintain the program baseline (scope, schedule, cost, risk) Drive execution to that baseline; lead replans and recovery when required Serve as the primary customer interface for execution, schedule, and delivery commitments
Integrated Master Scheduling
Build and own logic-driven Level 4–5 IMSs Validate dependencies across hardware, software, AIT, launch, and suppliers Ensure schedules are executable, resource-aware, and actively used to manage work Drive weekly / biweekly execution cadence tied directly to the IMS
Cost, Risk, and Decision Support
Own program ETC/EAC in partnership with Finance Maintain an active risk register with mitigation, off-ramps, and retirement criteria Prepare and lead internal and external program reviews (PMRs, design reviewed, readiness reviews) Provide leadership with clear decision data, not status theater
Cross-Functional & Supplier Leadership
Drive alignment across engineering, product, manufacturing, software, mission ops, and launch Manage strategic suppliers as extensions of the program Escalate and resolve execution conflicts decisively
Program Ownership, Customer Interface & Contract Execution
Own end-to-end program execution from contract award through on-orbit delivery Serve as the primary customer interface for execution, schedule, scope, and delivery commitments Translate contractual requirements into an executable program baseline Ensure customer expectations remain aligned with technical and schedule reality
Contract Administration & Change Control
Own day-to-day contract administration for assigned programs, in partnership with Legal and Finance Track contractual obligations, milestones, deliverables, and acceptance criteria Lead assessment and negotiation of scope changes, contract modifications, and schedule impacts Ensure execution remains compliant with contract terms and data rights requirements Support invoicing milestones, deliverable acceptance, and customer reporting
Reviews & External Communications
Lead customer program reviews, readiness reviews, and delivery checkpoints Ensure clear documentation of decisions, changes, and customer direction Act as Loft’s execution authority in customer-facing forums
Must Haves
8+ years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or complex technical programs Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end program delivery Deep experience building and executing Integrated Master Schedules Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams under ambiguity
Nice to Haves
Experience with multi-program ownership or portfolios Familiarity with DCMA-style schedule health principles Experience interfacing with government or institutional customers
Some of Our Awesome Benefits
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays 401(k) plan and equity options Daily catered lunches and snacks in office International exposure to our team in France Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support Off-sites and many social events and celebrations Relocation assistance when applicable