Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Space Systems) Job Listing at SPA in United States of America (Job ID 22657)

Description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. 

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group (SSG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force's Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF. We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command.  We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to  execute on time and on budget within the technical communities. Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Space Systems). 

SPA is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead execution and strategic positioning for a critical software engineering contract supporting Space Systems Command (SSC). This role is responsible for full program management authority, including contract execution, team leadership, and customer engagement, while guiding the program through a near-term transition period that will determine its future scope and continuity. The program has an established operational history and delivers application-level software capabilities supporting mission users. As the contract approaches a potential transition, this role is central to ensuring continued performance, strengthening customer trust, and positioning the program for future phases. The selected candidate will serve as the primary interface to the government, accountable for execution today while shaping how the program evolves to meet emerging mission needs. This includes moving beyond a perception of a software factory toward a more integrated, mission-aligned capability that supports speed, integration, and operational impact. In addition to core program responsibilities, this role will contribute to broader strategic initiatives across the business line, supporting efforts to expand capability relevance and align execution with future opportunities.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leading all aspects of contract execution as the named Program Manager, serving as the primary government interface and guiding a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality, mission‑aligned software capabilities with speed, usability, and integration in mind. Maintaining full oversight of performance, including schedule, financials, staffing, and deliverables, while driving disciplined contract administration and fostering strong, trust‑based relationships with program stakeholders and mission users.
• Positioning the program as a mission‑aligned partner by strengthening customer engagement, addressing gaps between delivery and expectations, and translating program capabilities into clear, compelling value propositions. Shaping how the program is perceived within the customer organization by emphasizing reliability, responsiveness, and mission alignment, ultimately improving access, trust, and insight into evolving priorities.
• Guiding the program through a critical transition period by developing and executing a clear strategy for follow‑on opportunities, synthesizing customer insights, and differentiating program strengths in execution, technical delivery, and mission alignment. Aligning internal stakeholders around a unified approach that positions the program for sustained continuity and expansion as it navigates competitive dynamics and future production phases.
• Supporting efforts to convert program performance and strategic positioning into future work by crafting strategies that align program strengths to anticipated requirements. Contributing to capture activities and help build a forward‑looking plan that connects current execution to future opportunities across the broader business line.

Expected Outcomes:

Success in this role is defined by the ability to execute, position, and secure the program's future.

• Ensure consistent, reliable execution of all contract requirements by strengthening internal coordination across the team, schedule, financials, and reporting, even during transition periods. Provide strong, accountable leadership recognized by both internal stakeholders and the customer, reinforcing confidence in the program's stability and performance.
• Strengthen customer trust by improving access, responsiveness, and visibility into evolving priorities and decision‑making processes. Establish the program as a responsive, mission‑aligned partner rather than a transactional software provider, reinforcing confidence through consistent, high‑value engagement.
• Drive program perception by strongly articulating value in integration, speed of delivery, and operational relevance. Improve alignment between delivered capabilities and mission needs to reinforce the program's strategic importance and mission impact.
• Develop and execute a well‑defined strategy for navigating the future work by gathering and acting on competitive and customer insights to inform positioning. Ensure the program is viewed as a leading candidate for continuation or expansion by demonstrating strong performance, mission alignment, and a clear competitive advantage.
• Secure contract continuity and future awards by directly contributing to follow‑on efforts, while strengthening the program's ability to convert execution performance and relationships into awarded work. Build leadership confidence in the program's long‑term viability and strategic value through consistent delivery, credible positioning, and demonstrated mission alignment.

About the Must Haves

• US Citizen and current active DoD Top Secret clearance
• Master's Degree in a relevant field of study
• Minimum 15 years of experience performing the following:
  • Program management, strategic initiatives, capture support, or operations within defense or space-related environments
  • Operating across both execution and strategic functions without formal authority
  • Demonstrating strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical teams and senior stakeholders
  • Working understanding of modern software delivery environments (DevSecOps, cloud, platform engineering) sufficient to engage credibly
  • Demonstrating ability to take ownership of ambiguous problems and drive them to resolution

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  Pay Transparency Range: 185k - 250k

About the Must Haves

• US Citizen and current active DoD Top Secret clearance
• Master's Degree in a relevant field of study
• Minimum 15 years of experience performing the following:
  • Program management, strategic initiatives, capture support, or operations within defense or space-related environments
  • Operating across both execution and strategic functions without formal authority
  • Demonstrating strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical teams and senior stakeholders
  • Working understanding of modern software delivery environments (DevSecOps, cloud, platform engineering) sufficient to engage credibly
  • Demonstrating ability to take ownership of ambiguous problems and drive them to resolution

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  Pay Transparency Range: 185k - 250k

SPA is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead execution and strategic positioning for a critical software engineering contract supporting Space Systems Command (SSC). This role is responsible for full program management authority, including contract execution, team leadership, and customer engagement, while guiding the program through a near-term transition period that will determine its future scope and continuity. The program has an established operational history and delivers application-level software capabilities supporting mission users. As the contract approaches a potential transition, this role is central to ensuring continued performance, strengthening customer trust, and positioning the program for future phases. The selected candidate will serve as the primary interface to the government, accountable for execution today while shaping how the program evolves to meet emerging mission needs. This includes moving beyond a perception of a software factory toward a more integrated, mission-aligned capability that supports speed, integration, and operational impact. In addition to core program responsibilities, this role will contribute to broader strategic initiatives across the business line, supporting efforts to expand capability relevance and align execution with future opportunities.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leading all aspects of contract execution as the named Program Manager, serving as the primary government interface and guiding a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality, mission‑aligned software capabilities with speed, usability, and integration in mind. Maintaining full oversight of performance, including schedule, financials, staffing, and deliverables, while driving disciplined contract administration and fostering strong, trust‑based relationships with program stakeholders and mission users.
• Positioning the program as a mission‑aligned partner by strengthening customer engagement, addressing gaps between delivery and expectations, and translating program capabilities into clear, compelling value propositions. Shaping how the program is perceived within the customer organization by emphasizing reliability, responsiveness, and mission alignment, ultimately improving access, trust, and insight into evolving priorities.
• Guiding the program through a critical transition period by developing and executing a clear strategy for follow‑on opportunities, synthesizing customer insights, and differentiating program strengths in execution, technical delivery, and mission alignment. Aligning internal stakeholders around a unified approach that positions the program for sustained continuity and expansion as it navigates competitive dynamics and future production phases.
• Supporting efforts to convert program performance and strategic positioning into future work by crafting strategies that align program strengths to anticipated requirements. Contributing to capture activities and help build a forward‑looking plan that connects current execution to future opportunities across the broader business line.

Expected Outcomes:

Success in this role is defined by the ability to execute, position, and secure the program's future.

• Ensure consistent, reliable execution of all contract requirements by strengthening internal coordination across the team, schedule, financials, and reporting, even during transition periods. Provide strong, accountable leadership recognized by both internal stakeholders and the customer, reinforcing confidence in the program's stability and performance.
• Strengthen customer trust by improving access, responsiveness, and visibility into evolving priorities and decision‑making processes. Establish the program as a responsive, mission‑aligned partner rather than a transactional software provider, reinforcing confidence through consistent, high‑value engagement.
• Drive program perception by strongly articulating value in integration, speed of delivery, and operational relevance. Improve alignment between delivered capabilities and mission needs to reinforce the program's strategic importance and mission impact.
• Develop and execute a well‑defined strategy for navigating the future work by gathering and acting on competitive and customer insights to inform positioning. Ensure the program is viewed as a leading candidate for continuation or expansion by demonstrating strong performance, mission alignment, and a clear competitive advantage.
• Secure contract continuity and future awards by directly contributing to follow‑on efforts, while strengthening the program's ability to convert execution performance and relationships into awarded work. Build leadership confidence in the program's long‑term viability and strategic value through consistent delivery, credible positioning, and demonstrated mission alignment.