Senior Technical Program Manager
Muonspace · San Jose, CA or Remote · Posted Jul 1, 2026
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About the role
Muon seeks a Senior Technical 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 TPM 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 program
Working knowledge of MWIR sensor architectures, focal plane arrays, IDCAs, and cryocooler integration
Experience managing programs through environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC)
PMP certification or equivalent program management credentials
Salary
The salary range for this role is $131,000 - $198,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.
About Muon Space
Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and…