Deputy Program Manager
Reston, VA, US, 20191
Who We Are:
At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled connectivity, we deliver multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe.
Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission-critical communications.
We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real-world impact across today’s most critical missions.
What You’ll Do:
In this role, you will help lead the execution of complex government and aerospace programs, partnering closely with Program Leadership to ensure successful delivery across cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer commitments. You will serve as a central coordination point across engineering, finance, contracts, supply chain, configuration management, and external partners, helping drive alignment and execution throughout the full program lifecycle. This role requires strong operational leadership, program discipline, and the ability to manage risk, customer expectations, and cross-functional priorities in fast-moving, highly regulated environments. You will help establish structure, accountability, and program rigor while supporting mission-critical aerospace and satellite programs from kickoff through closeout.
- Support end-to-end execution of complex aerospace and government programs, ensuring alignment to contractual, technical, cost, and schedule objectives
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across engineering, contracts, finance, supply chain, configuration management, and external partners
- Partner with Program Leadership and Chief Engineering teams to manage program execution, risk, and operational priorities throughout the program lifecycle
- Support program financial management activities including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and Earned Value Management (EVM) tracking
- Lead risk and opportunity management activities, including identification, mitigation planning, and recurring program reviews
- Interface directly with government customers and stakeholders to communicate program status, resolve issues, and ensure successful execution of contractual commitments
- Support change management activities to ensure program baselines, scope modifications, and approvals are properly documented and controlled
- Coordinate delivery of contractual deliverables, subcontractor execution activities, and program reporting requirements
- Present program metrics, execution status, and operational updates to leadership and customer stakeholders
- Help drive continuous improvement, operational discipline, and effective communication across matrixed program teams
Who You Are:
You are a program management professional with experience supporting complex government, aerospace, or defense programs in highly matrixed and fast-paced environments. You understand how to balance cost, schedule, technical execution, and customer expectations while coordinating across engineering, finance, contracts, supply chain, and operational teams. You bring strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, along with the ability to drive execution, resolve conflicts, and maintain structure in environments where priorities and requirements evolve quickly. You are comfortable operating with ambiguity, influencing across teams without direct authority, and helping programs stay aligned to mission and contractual objectives. Ultimately, you serve as a trusted operational leader who helps keep critical aerospace and satellite programs moving forward successfully.
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience supporting U.S. Government or aerospace programs
- Experience leading projects, IPTs, cost accounts, or cross-functional execution activities supporting complex technical programs
- Strong understanding of program lifecycle execution including planning, scheduling, risk management, budgeting, and customer coordination
- Experience working within regulated government contracting environments and supporting contractual deliverables and compliance requirements
- Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), program controls, forecasting, and variance analysis methodologies
- Proven ability to lead and influence matrixed teams in collaborative, fast-paced environments
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience supporting aerospace, satellite, defense, or highly technical engineering programs preferred
- U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
- Familiarity with MS Project, Visio, Costpoint, Salesforce, and FAR/DFAR environments preferred
SES Space and Defense is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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Nearest Major Market: Washington DC