Branch Head, Space Missions Branch

North Logan, UT
Full Time
SMS
Senior Manager/Supervisor

Job ID: 4236

The Space Dynamics Lab (SDL) is seeking Branch Head applicants for the Space Missions Branch in the Strategic and Military Space Division.  This position will be based in Logan, UT and will report to the Strategic and Military Space Division Director.  The Branch Head will oversee, direct, and lead a portfolio of unclassified and classified space programs supporting the US Government. Responsibilities of this position include the oversight for program execution, business development, strategic planning, personnel development and management of resources, budgets, and personnel.  The Branch Head must be able to lead and inspire a diverse, geographically separated team, manage complex programmatic elements, including cost, schedule, and technical performance; and understand customer needs and identify appropriate resources to fulfill mission requirements. 

The Branch Head will be responsible for:

  • Successful program execution for the portfolio of programs within the branch. Success will be measured by customer satisfaction, delivering on contractual requirements (cost, schedule, risk management and quality) in accordance with SDL policies and best practices.
  • Directly supervising program managers and provide leadership for hiring, mentoring, training, motivating, rewarding, balancing workload, team building, etc.
  • Developing and maintaining key customer relationships
  • Leading, developing, and supporting SMS Division strategic efforts by:
    • Developing a long-term branch strategic roadmap and providing strategic planning input to Division Leadership
    • Overseeing IR&D activities related to Lab/Division/Branch priorities and technologies
  • Providing branch, division, and lab leadership by:
    • Supporting leadership initiatives and associated change management
    • Being an active part of the SMS Division Leadership team, professionally representing the branch, division, and SDL with our customers and internally across SDL
    • Professionally handling delicate personnel challenges within the branch
    • Modeling SDL core values to help instill and maintain a positive work environment and culture within the branch and teamwork across SDL
  • Keeping division-level leadership informed about branch activities and escalation as required. This includes a weekly branch status report and inputs as requested by the SMS Division leadership team.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of space hardware/software/payload experience
  • Relevant experience with a highly technical organization performing the following tasks:
    • Program management
    • Business development and proposal preparation
    • Contract monitoring/management
    • Cost, risk, and schedule management
    • Procurement
  • Ability to travel
  • Ability to hold a U.S. Government clearance and pass a Counterintelligence polygraph
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated successful performance in program execution and business development
  • Demonstrated ability to organize, mentor, grow and manage teams
  • Ability to develop program schedules, manage budgets, and meet deadlines
  • Understanding of SDL’s AS9100D quality processes and procedures
  • Proactive and self-motivated; models a strong work ethic
  • Must possess the ability to lead a team while making direct contributions to team success

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous management experience leading a portfolio of at least $20M or more in annual budget
  • Knowledge of or relationship with current SMS Division customers that will be in this portfolio
  • Extensive experience delivering space qualified hardware and software solutions
  • Experience working in a classified environment
  • Experience with government acquisition processes
  • Active U.S. Government TS or TS-SCI clearance with an adjudicated CI polygraph
  • Master’s degree in engineering or Business Administration
Salary Range:
  • $140,000-$245,000
    • Salary commensurate upon highest education level and years of directly related experience

Why Join SDL?

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

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.

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.

Applications are due July 1st, close of business.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

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