Flight Test Program Manager

Job ID: 7434
Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Program Manager with demonstrated experience managing and developing flight test programs to join our C4ISR Systems Division. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of flight test events as part of a research and development program for a government customer, ensuring alignment with technical, schedule, and mission objectives.

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division delivers mission-critical solutions, specializing in cyber operations, information architecture, strategic deterrence, and ISR. Our division’s commitment to innovation and security enables us to provide critical solutions across defense, intelligence, and national security. Join our team and contribute to the next generation of defense technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads coordination across cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, logistics, and test personnel, and manages collaboration between Government stakeholders and multiple contractors to ensure seamless integration and execution of flight test events
• Develops comprehensive flight test plans, including objectives, success criteria, methodologies, resource requirements, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
• Serves as the primary interface with Government customers and stakeholders, providing regular updates on program status, risks, and performance
• Manages program cost, schedule, and technical performance, ensuring alignment with contract requirements and organizational goals
• Identifies, assesses, and mitigates program and test-related risks, including safety, regulatory, technical, and operational considerations 
• Oversees flight test execution, including pre-test readiness reviews, real-time decision support, and post-test debriefs
• Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and airworthiness requirements for flight operations

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in technical engineering or science or a business degree
• 5+ years of project management or technical leadership experience, preferably involving flight testing or aerospace systems
• Experience planning and executing flight test activities, including development of test plans, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
• Proven ability to manage cost, schedule, and technical performance across multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience coordinating with Government customers and multiple contractors
• Knowledge of flight test processes, data collection, and analysis methodologies
• Familiarity with applicable safety, airworthiness, and regulatory requirements for flight operations
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders
• Ability to develop and present clear, concise technical and programmatic briefings to senior leadership and customers
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to support flight test events at remote test sites

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in aerospace, systems, electrical engineering
• Direct experience supporting or leading flight test campaigns at government test ranges (e.g., coordination, range scheduling, safety processes)
• Background in aerospace systems, unmanned systems, or payload development and integration
• Active U.S. Government security clearance

*Salary Range

• $105,000 - $175,000
  • Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer. 

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.