Joint Space Protection (JSP) Program Manager (Science/Engineering Program Manager 4/5)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· enterprise· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Principal
$184K–$330K
12+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Science/Engineering Program Manager 4 or 5 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Exceptional candidates may be considered for a higher-level position, and additional job responsibilities will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Global Security (GS) Directorate is seeking applicants for the Program Manager (PM) of the Joint Space Protection (JSP) Program. This position reports directly to the Program Directors for Intelligence and Emerging Threats (GS-IET) and National Security and Defense (GS-NSD).
The JSP provides space and ground solutions for Department of War (DOW) and Intelligence Community (IC) customer needs. These projects range from concept studies to data processing tools to spaceflight hardware. The JSP is currently executing ~$40M of projects in FY2026, with significant growth anticipated in FY2027. Note that DOW activities associated with the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System (USNDS) are led by the Nuclear Nonproliferation and Security Program Office (GS-NNS).
Science/Engineering Program Manager 4 ($153,600-$266,500)
The PM leads the management, coordination, and development of JSP space activities and will serve as LANL's principal interface to the IC and DOW for all space related activities in coordination with the GS Program Directors and the GS Executive Advisor. The selected candidate will also advise Program Directors, Line Managers and internal investment boards (such as Laboratory-Directed Research and Development - LDRD) on the needs and opportunities of customer-funded space programs.
The JSP PM will coordinate with other LANL Program offices which conduct space activities as needed to set institutional priorities, resolve resource conflicts, and ensure coherent investments across the LANL space enterprise.
Science/Engineering Program Manager 5 ($184,200-$329,700)
In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the JSP PM will identify and coordinate strategic partnerships with other Federally Funded Research and Development Corporations (FFRDCs) and Commercial Industry to leverage LANL's unique capabilities for system development. This work will include collaboration with other LANL organizations, such as the Feynman Center for Innovation (FCI) to address legal aspects of collaboration.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Technical Knowledge : Demonstrated experience in space system design, production, and/or operations including a working familiarity with NASA and/or DOW Technical Readiness Level (TRL) assessment as it applies to space systems. The Program Manager is not expected to be an expert in all areas of space system design and operations but is expected to be conversant in critical areas and knowledgeable of integration and test.
Project Management: Demonstrated ability to convert concepts and strategic objectives into executable projects with measurable outcomes. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities and deadlines. Familiarity with coordinating interdisciplinary efforts and aligning project work with broader organizational goals. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in both planning and execution.
Customer Relations and Stakeholder Engagement : Ability to build effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Experience collaborating with leadership, subject matter experts, partner organizations, and/or public audiences. Ability to assess customer needs and translate them into achievable projects scopes and deliverables. Experience setting realistic expectations regarding project scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables.
Leadership : Demonstrated peer-leadership ability to collaborate and strategize with colleagues to meet customer/project objectives while developing team members and meeting institutional goals.
Teamwork/Collaboration : Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful, collaborative, and productive work environment. Ability to work constructively and professionally with colleagues across disciplines and backgrounds. Experience mentoring staff and supporting professional development. Willingness to share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and support team success.
In addition to the duties outlined above, the Science/Engineering Program Manager 5 is expected to:
Technical Knowledge : Demonstrated subject matter expertise in space system design, production, and/or operations. A SEPM 5 should be able to draw from past leadership experience of space system design, production, and/or operations.
Project Management: Experience bringing projects through formal systems engineering reviews (e.g. SRR, PDR, CDR) including negotiating the content of these reviews with sponsors.
Customer Relations and Stakeholder Engagement: Experience engaging with senior sponsors at the GS-15 level and above.
Education/Experience for Science/Engineering Program Manager 4: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field from an accredited institution and 12 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected. An advanced degree in a science or engineering field is preferred.
Education/Experience for Science/Engineering Program Manager 5: Position requires a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering related field from an accredited institution and 15 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level an advanced degree is typically expected. An advanced degree in a science or engineering field is preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
• Expert knowledge of at least one of the following: space system hardware/software development, space ground system development, and/or space system operations.
• Commercial or Government certification in program management, test, and/or systems engineering.
• Functional understanding of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and the roles of various US Government agencies in SDA.
• Experience with the US DOW and/or IC space programs.
• Active DOE Q clearance
Note to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses all the minimum requirements of the position.
Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory. Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q/SCI (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
* Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position : Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
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