Loft Orbital is seeking a
Senior Satellite Program Manager to lead execution of complex spacecraft and mission programs from contract award through on-orbit delivery. You will be accountable for establishing a credible program baseline and driving disciplined execution against it, across engineering, manufacturing, AIT, launch, and suppliers. This is a hands-on execution leadership role - not a coordination role. You will build and own Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), manage cost and risk, and act as the primary execution interface to customers and internal leadership.
In this role, you will be the lead program manager on a major strategic international mission at the earliest stages of development. The program begins with an initial multi-satellite deployment focused on resilient broadband communications infrastructure, with a long-term vision that could scale into a significantly larger sovereign constellation capability. Success on this mission positions Loft at the forefront of a transformational international space partnership and creates substantial long-term growth opportunities for the company.
About this role:
Program Ownership & Execution:
Own end-to-end delivery of one or more complex satellite programs
Establish and maintain the program baseline (scope, schedule, cost, risk)
Drive execution to that baseline; lead replans and recovery when required
Serve as the primary customer interface for execution, schedule, and delivery commitments
Integrated Master Scheduling:
Build and own logic-driven Level 4–5 IMSs
Validate dependencies across hardware, software, AIT, launch, and suppliers
Ensure schedules are executable, resource-aware, and actively used to manage work
Drive weekly / biweekly execution cadence tied directly to the IMS
Cost, Risk, and Decision Support:
Own program ETC/EAC in partnership with Finance
Maintain an active risk register with mitigation, off-ramps, and retirement criteria
Prepare and lead internal and external program reviews (PMRs, design reviewed, readiness reviews)
Provide leadership with clear decision data, not status theater
Cross-Functional & Supplier Leadership:
Drive alignment across engineering, product, manufacturing, software, mission ops, and launch
Manage strategic suppliers as extensions of the program
Escalate and resolve execution conflicts decisively
Program Ownership, Customer Interface & Contract Execution:
Own end-to-end program execution from contract award through on-orbit delivery
Serve as the primary customer interface for execution, schedule, scope, and delivery commitments
Translate contractual requirements into an executable program baseline
Ensure customer expectations remain aligned with technical and schedule reality
Contract Administration & Change Control:
Own day-to-day contract administration for assigned programs, in partnership with Legal and Finance
Track contractual obligations, milestones, deliverables, and acceptance criteria
Lead assessment and negotiation of scope changes, contract modifications, and schedule impacts
Ensure execution remains compliant with contract terms and data rights requirements
Support invoicing milestones, deliverable acceptance, and customer reporting
Reviews & External Communications:
Lead customer program reviews, readiness reviews, and delivery checkpoints
Ensure clear documentation of decisions, changes, and customer direction
Act as Loft’s execution authority in customer-facing forums
Must Haves:
8+ years of experience in spacecraft, aerospace, or complex technical programs
Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end program delivery
Deep experience building and executing Integrated Master Schedules
Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams under ambiguity
Nice to Haves:
Experience with multi-program ownership or portfolios
Experience leading LEO satellite missions
Familiarity with DCMA-style schedule health principles
Experience interfacing with government or institutional customers
Some of Our Awesome Benefits:
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
401(k) plan and equity options
Daily catered lunches and snacks in office
International exposure to our team in France
Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for birthing parent and 10 weeks for non-birthing parent
Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
Relocation assistance when applicable