Senior Program Manager, EO/IR

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead delivery of next-generation Infrared Satellites. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role at the intersection of payload engineering and rapid-cycle space vehicle development. The Senior PM will be the single accountable owner for delivering the program on cost, schedule, and technical performance — managing a multi-disciplinary internal team, multiple subcontractors, and a critical-path vendor base for focal plane arrays, integrated detector cooler assemblies, cryocoolers, and optics. The role spans a full program lifecycle from preliminary design through on orbit demonstration. This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week. Responsibilities - Program Execution - Own the integrated master schedule, cost baseline, and risk register  - Drive the program through preliminary and critical design reviews, sub-scale lab demonstration assembly, environmental test, and final reporting — meeting all customer milestones and contract data deliverables - Manage the boundary between IR&D-funded and customer funded work to ensure each stays within scope, cost ceiling, and period of performance - Customer Interface - Serve as the primary day-to-day customer interface — leading kickoff, design reviews, demonstration briefings, and quarterly status reporting - Author or approve all customer deliverables including status reports, design review packages, cost reduction and manufacturability analyses, test plans, and the program final report - Partner with Muon's Capture and Business Development teams on transition strategy - Subcontractor and Vendor Management - Manage program subcontracts for mission data processing / algorithm development and optical design - Coordinate with critical-path vendors for focal plane arrays, IDCAs, and cryocoolers — across different funded long-lead procurements - Ensure subcontractor cost stays within applicable funding limits and that all subcontract scope, cost, and schedule remain aligned with prime contract commitments - Technical Leadership and Risk Management - Partner closely with the program Principal Investigator and technical leads (payload design, AI&T, optics, electronics, software, mechanisms, thermal, mission systems) to drive technical decision-making - Own and actively work the program risk register, including supply chain, integration, and demonstration-event risks - Drive resolution of cross-functional issues quickly; escalate to functional and program leadership when needed - Compliance and Reporting - Ensure all program execution complies with contracting requirements, including U.S.-only performance, ITAR/EAR export controls, technical data rights, and CUI handling - Coordinate with Contracts and Finance on subcontract changes, invoicing, and program financial reporting Required Qualifications - 8+ years of professional experience in program management of complex technical system development, deployment, and operations - 5+ years of hands-on technical experience, preferably in an engineering or similar capacity - Direct experience with space, defense, or aerospace industry program planning and execution - Demonstrated experience managing programs with multiple subcontractors and a complex critical-path supply chain - Prior experience executing rapid-acquisition contract vehicles for government customers, with familiarity navigating the government program lifecycle, technical data rights, and CDRL management - Ability to get U.S. Top Secret clearance - U.S. Citizenship required (program is ITAR-restricted) - Excellent written communication skills — you will be authoring or approving every customer-facing deliverable on the program Preferred Qualifications - TS / SCI clearance - Direct experience working with SDA, USSF Space Systems Command, MDA, or NRO customer offices - Prior experience on a missile warning, missile tracking, OPIR, or HBTSS-class space-based IR pro