Senior Program Manager | SLS Avionics and Software

Senior Program Manager | SLS Avionics and Software

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Program Manager to join our Space Launch System (SLS) team in Huntsville, AL. NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) is key to returning the United States to the Moon and sending the first astronauts on to Mars.

Boeing is seeking an experienced and dynamic Avionics and Software Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead to spearhead the development, integration, and testing of avionics systems and software for the Space Launch System Core Stage and Exploration Upper Stage vehicles. The IPT Lead will oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for delivering mission-critical avionics hardware and software solutions, ensuring seamless integration with the rocket’s systems to meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability requirements. This role demands strong technical expertise, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to drive the program’s success from concept through launch. The position reports to the SLS Deputy Program Senior Director. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Leads and mentors a cross-functional team of engineers specializing in avionics hardware, embedded software, systems engineering, and integration, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence, while adhering to Boeing’s Values and Behaviors

• System Design and Development: Oversees the design, development, and integration of avionics systems, including flight control systems, navigation, communication, and onboard computing, ensuring compliance with mission requirements and industry standards

• Software Development Oversight: Manages the development of real-time embedded software for flight control, telemetry, and data processing, ensuring robust, secure, and fault-tolerant code

• Integration and Testing: Coordinates the integration of avionics and software systems with rocket subsystems, leading verification, validation, and testing efforts to ensure performance under all mission conditions

• Program Management: Develops and manages schedules, budgets, and resource plans for the avionics and software IPT, aligning with overall program milestones and objectives

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with other IPTs (e.g., propulsion, structures, systems engineering) to ensure system-level integration and resolve technical challenges

• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and programmatic risks related to avionics and software development, ensuring mission-critical reliability

• Stakeholder Communication: Interfaces with internal stakeholders, external partners, and customers (e.g., NASA, commercial clients) to provide technical updates, manage requirements, and ensure alignment with mission goals

• Compliance and Standards: Ensures all avionics and software deliverables comply with industry standards (e.g., DO-178C for software, MIL-STD-461 for EMI/EMC) and program-specific requirements

• Innovation and Process Improvement: Drives continuous improvement in design, development, and testing processes, leveraging emerging technologies and best practices to enhance system performance and efficiency

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited course of study in engineering, electrical/electronics, aerospace, computer science, mathematics, or physics

• 10+ years’ experience in a leadership role (i.e., manager, project manager, team lead, etc.)

• 5+ years’ experience managing direct reports

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

• Expertise in avionics architecture, including sensors, actuators, communication systems, and onboard computing

• Proficiency in software development processes, including C/C++, Python, or other relevant languages, and familiarity with RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS).

• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, requirements management, and verification/validation processes

• Familiarity with aerospace standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-1553).

• Experience of large-scale aerospace or rocket development programs with flight-critical systems

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, and drive results in a fast-paced environment

• Strong problem-solving skills with a track record of resolving technical and programmatic challenges

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present to senior leadership and customers

• Ability to thrive under pressure, manage competing priorities, and adapt to evolving program needs

• Knowledge of space launch vehicle systems, including GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) and telemetry systems

• Prior work with government or commercial space programs; experience on NASA Programs

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Work Location:

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.  The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Travel:

Position may require travel up to 25% of the time.

NASA Access:

This position requires the ability to obtain access to a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) facility.  

NASA Safety Sensitive:

This is a NASA safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. 

Total Rewards:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: USD $178,500 - $241,500

The Boeing 401(k) helps you save for your future, with contributions from Boeing that can help you grow your retirement savings. Our best-in-class retirement benefit features: 

1. Best in class 401(k) plan: we'll match your contributions dollar for dollar, up to 10% of eligible pay with immediate 100% vesting 

2. Student Loan Match: The Boeing 401(k) Student Loan Match allows eligible enrolled U.S. employees to have their qualified student loan debt payments counted, along with any match-eligible contributions they make, for purposes of determining the Company Match to employees' Boeing 401(k) accounts.  

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is a NASA safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Security Clearance:

This position does not require a Security Clearance.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning