Senior Technical Program Manager

About the role

Muon seeks a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead delivery of next-generation Infrared Satellites. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at the intersection of payload engineering and rapid-cycle space vehicle development.

The Senior TPM will be the single accountable owner for delivering the program on cost, schedule, and technical performance — managing a multi-disciplinary internal team, multiple subcontractors, and a critical-path vendor base for focal plane arrays, integrated detector cooler assemblies, cryocoolers, and optics. The role spans a full program lifecycle from preliminary design through on orbit demonstration.

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Program Execution
  • Own the integrated master schedule, cost baseline, and risk register 
  • Drive the program through preliminary and critical design reviews, sub-scale lab demonstration assembly, environmental test, and final reporting — meeting all customer milestones and contract data deliverables
  • Manage the boundary between IR&D-funded and customer funded work to ensure each stays within scope, cost ceiling, and period of performance
• Customer Interface
  • Serve as the primary day-to-day customer interface — leading kickoff, design reviews, demonstration briefings, and quarterly status reporting
  • Author or approve all customer deliverables including status reports, design review packages, cost reduction and manufacturability analyses, test plans, and the program final report
  • Partner with Muon's Capture and Business Development teams on transition strategy
• Subcontractor and Vendor Management
  • Manage program subcontracts for mission data processing / algorithm development and optical design
  • Coordinate with critical-path vendors for focal plane arrays, IDCAs, and cryocoolers — across different funded long-lead procurements
  • Ensure subcontractor cost stays within applicable funding limits and that all subcontract scope, cost, and schedule remain aligned with prime contract commitments
• Technical Leadership and Risk Management
  • Partner closely with the program Principal Investigator and technical leads (payload design, AI&T, optics, electronics, software, mechanisms, thermal, mission systems) to drive technical decision-making
  • Own and actively work the program risk register, including supply chain, integration, and demonstration-event risks
  • Drive resolution of cross-functional issues quickly; escalate to functional and program leadership when needed
• Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure all program execution complies with contracting requirements, including U.S.-only performance, ITAR/EAR export controls, technical data rights, and CUI handling
  • Coordinate with Contracts and Finance on subcontract changes, invoicing, and program financial reporting

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in program management of complex technical system development, deployment, and operations
• 5+ years of hands-on technical experience, preferably in an engineering or similar capacity
• Direct experience with space, defense, or aerospace industry program planning and execution
• Demonstrated experience managing programs with multiple subcontractors and a complex critical-path supply chain
• Prior experience executing rapid-acquisition contract vehicles for government customers, with familiarity navigating the government program lifecycle, technical data rights, and CDRL management
• Ability to get U.S. Top Secret clearance
• U.S. Citizenship required (program is ITAR-restricted)
• Excellent written communication skills — you will be authoring or approving every customer-facing deliverable on the program

Preferred Qualifications

• TS / SCI clearance
• Direct experience working with SDA, USSF Space Systems Command, MDA, or NRO customer offices
• Prior experience on a missile warning, missile tracking, OPIR, or HBTSS-class space-based IR program
• Working knowledge of MWIR sensor architectures, focal plane arrays, IDCAs, and cryocooler integration
• Experience managing programs through environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC)
• PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials

Salary

The salary range for this role is  $175,000 - $208,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.