Senior Program Manager, Secure Space Data Systems (Aerospace)

Location: Hybrid in San Jose, California, with on-site work required three days per week. U.S. citizenship is required, and the program is ITAR-restricted.

Salary: $206,000–$232,000 per year, plus equity and comprehensive benefits.

Company

hirify.global designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations that deliver mission-critical Earth intelligence for climate monitoring and national security.

What you will do

• Own the integrated master schedule, cost baseline, risk register, and overall technical performance of the secure space data systems program.
• Drive design reviews, hardware builds, integration, verification campaigns, demonstrations, and customer commitments.
• Contribute directly to system architecture, trade studies, requirements, design analysis, integration, and testing.
• Lead development of cryptographic hardware carriers, HITL testbeds, and end-to-end encrypted ground-to-flight and flight-to-ground data paths.
• Own security and compliance activities, including controlled-material handling, government security coordination, configuration control, and export-control compliance.
• Support proposals and capture efforts with technical artifacts, cost and schedule inputs, and transition plans for funded flight programs.

Requirements

• 6+ years of program management experience for complex technical systems spanning hardware and software.
• 5+ years of hands-on engineering experience in electrical, embedded systems, mechanical, RF/communications, or a similar discipline.
• Experience with space, defense, or aerospace programs handling CUI or classified data, including ownership of board- or box-level hardware through design reviews and testing.
• Experience developing testbeds, HITL systems, or ground segments and running structured verification or demonstration campaigns.
• Working knowledge of Type 1 encryption, Red/Black separation, key management, certification timelines, and custody requirements.
• U.S. citizenship is required; ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret clearance is required.

Nice to have

• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance and experience with NSA Type 1 cryptographic units or COMSEC/CCI.
• Experience with SDA, NRO, USSF Space Systems Command, or similar government customer offices.
• Familiarity with embedded firmware and FPGA development lifecycles, including board bring-up, driver development, and DITL testing.
• Experience with IR&D programs, classified proposals, color-team reviews, or PMP certification.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time employment with equity compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation for new employees, 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time, and paid parental leave.
• Equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodation support.