Program Manager - Software

Job Details

Description

ABOUT MDA SPACE

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure.

The global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one.

For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

The Position

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and skilled Software Program Manager to work in close partnership with the product organization, focusing on the execution of ground based mission control related software. As a member of our Core Program Team, the Program Manager will lead the development of a comprehensive program plan, aligning multiple software project plans with a strong emphasis on cost and schedule tracking, to ensure that all deliverables are met on time, within budget, and to the requirements.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project or program management, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering successful business outcomes. They will be a visionary leader with a growth mindset, able to think strategically and drive transformational change. They will have a deep understanding of program management principles and practices, and be able to apply strategic thinking to recommend optimal execution approaches for initiatives.

This is a strategic execution role, focused on driving business outcomes through effective program management.

The successful candidate will be able to navigate a dynamic and fast-paced environment, and build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels. As a change leader, they will be able to influence stakeholders and drive collective success, while maintaining a customer-centric approach that prioritizes the needs of the organization and its stakeholders. They will be data-driven, using metrics and analytics to inform their decision-making and drive continuous improvement. They will also be resilient and adaptable, able to pivot when necessary and drive results in a rapidly changing environment.


Job Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Program Lead to Deliver Excellence: Work in partnership with program lead to define and execute project standards and governance ensuring end-to-end delivery of program deliverables, focusing on alignment with strategic objectives and customer expectations. Delivering solutions that meet defined business requirements for people, process and tools.
• Project Team Alignment: Unify project team members around common objectives, priorities, and roles to drive effective collaboration and project success.
• Schedule & Budget Accountability: Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourage, challenge, collaborate, and participate in the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to enhance future program performance
• Benefits Realization Tracking: Monitor and report on the achievement of intended business outcomes and benefits, ensuring that project objectives translate into measurable value for the organization.
• Governance and Compliance: Ensure all project activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and internal governance frameworks.
• Resource Allocation and Capacity Planning: Oversee resource assignments and workload for all active sub-projects, ensuring the project is adequately staffed and equipped for success. Work with Core Project Team to anticipate future resource requirements and remove any roadblocks to the team’s success
• Experience managing large-scale software development across multiple teams: proven ability to coordinate and lead development efforts that span several teams, ensuring alignment and collaboration on large scale projects
• Familiarity with Incremental software development processes: Versatile in applying various methodologies (Incremental, Waterfall, Agile) to fit project needs and optimize delivery timelines
• Software product organization management experience: proven ability to operate within and help shape a software product organization, including collaboration with product management, technical teams, Safety, quality and others to align roadmaps
• Software safety experience: demonstrated experience applying software safety principles to human-rated mission control related software
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines: Managing continuous integration and deployment process to streamline software releases
• Security: Strong understanding of secure coding standards and the ability to ensure all software meets organization security requirements including authentication and authorization
• Proficient in the .Net Stack: experience managing .Net for backend development, ensuring robust and scalable server-side solutions
• Strong Angular front-end expertise: experience managing the development of dynamic, responsive user interfaces using Angular
• Robotics Mission planning and Commanding software: Familiarity with tools for robotics command and control or planning to support mission operations
• Experience with medium to large scale database systems: Proven ability to manage medium-to-large databases with focus on telemetry storage and retrieval

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field
• 8+ years of total project management experience, including 3+ years leading large projects or program management (20+ project team members).
• Proven ability to manage large-scale, complex projects with multiple stakeholders across different time zones, cultures and country’s.
• PMP or similar certification is a plus.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools
• Strong understanding of change management principles and experience leading organizational transformation initiatives.
• Experience with benefits realization tracking, including monitoring business outcomes and measuring value delivery.
• Knowledge of governance, compliance, and regulatory requirements relevant to the project domain.
• Expertise in resource allocation, capacity planning, and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Advanced risk and issue management skills, with experience in escalation protocols and stakeholder engagement.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of identifying lessons learned and implementing process enhancements.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities to drive decision-making and solve complex challenges.
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, evolving environments.
  
  

Key Traits

• Results-Oriented Work Ethic: Willing to go above and beyond to deliver results, with a strong work ethic and a "whatever it takes" attitude to get the job done.
• Driven Leadership: Drives program execution with energy and commitment.
• Adaptability: Thrives in fast-paced environments, adapting quickly to changing priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Transparent Leadership: Leads with transparency and honesty, providing clear communication and proactive issue management.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Takes ownership and drives innovative solutions to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Strong Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to inspire and motivate team members, prioritize their needs, and drive project results in a people-centric approach.
  
  
  

Comments/Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there.