Senior Program Manager

Posted 7/16/2026 · last confirmed live 8/26/2026

ABOUT SPHINX Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.  We’re focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility. ABOUT SPHINX Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.  We’re focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility. ABOUT THE ROLE Sphinx is hiring a Senior Program Manager to lead our teams building the next generation of mission planning software for satellite communications programs. This team is charged with creating modern, resilient services and capabilities to service the US Government for the next decade and beyond. In this role, you will own Profit & Loss for our Mission Planning portfolio. You’ll be partnering with the CEO, VP of Engineering, Program Director, Chief Engineer and Engineering Management to ensure efficient management of project resources and deliverables. You'll work as the program lead, representing Sphinx, and overseeing a number of subcontractors supporting Sphinx on this effort. What you will be focusing on: Profit & Loss ownership. Managing and executing across all program functions (engineering, finance, business operations, supply chain, security) to ensure timely project delivery for a multi-year, multi-million dollar software program. Partnering with the company leadership to ensure efficient management of project resources and deliverables (cost, schedule, staff, etc.) Assisting the team and leadership in developing project plans, roadmaps, and project artifacts  Leading the creation and management of an contract management frameworks, including performance management tools Ensuring the delivery of all contractually required deliverables  Representing Sphinx for contract negotiations, subcontractor oversight, program element integration and related PM functions directly with the USG and their representatives Own pivotal program duties to ensure compliance and success such as: Customer Relationships and Service Team management and project organization Senior Technical Leadership Mentoring and Guidance Management of Program Schedule, Budget and Execution/Delivery on Requirements Subcontract/Subcontractor oversight and Management Profit/Loss Responsibility for Program activities Cross Program Segment Integration and Coordination (where applicable) Road block removal as needed Supporting Hiring and Staffing Advancing program area and business vision/strategy and long term plans Leadership and/or support to new business pursuits Light employee performance management as it pertains to program delivery.  You might be a good fit if you have: 15+ years Program Management and/or technical leadership experience on software/software-intensive engineering projects(Aerospace industry a plus) Demonstrable experience leading software engineering programs/teams Proven ability to multi-task large scale projects and work cross-functionally with all levels Excellent communication, documentation, and facilitation skills A high level of project management skills to ensure prioritization of key deliverables and competing priorities (scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, conflict resolution, problem solving) Experience supporting the development of project standards, templates, and norms to ensure efficiency and delivery. Experience working with and on cross-functional agile development efforts for full lifecycle projects (Startup, design, development, integration and delivery) Experience with DoW space-ground system acquisition efforts Experience with EVMS for Software programs (Agile EVM techniques a plus) Made enough mistakes and booked enough wins to know how to manage issues, risk and development challenges The ability to see through the noise to the most critical problems in executing projects Understanding of DoD and command and control, mission planning, and common system development techniques  Hold an active Secret clearance and be eligible to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access. LOCATION Colorado Springs, Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA - up to 25% travel will be required in support of client visits, company gatherings, and other project related travel. We welcome consideration of exceptional candidates regardless of location, provided travel requirements can be met. COMPENSATION This role is between $275,000 and $312,000 base salary. BENEFITS Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. ELIGIBILITY Must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.   At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.   CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances:  click here .    To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR  here .  

This role is published by Sphinx Defense on greenhouse. SwiftFit is not the employer and does not accept applications.