Job: Civil Space Division Director

This position is a top management position at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a unit of Utah University Research Foundation in Logan, Utah. The successful execution of the responsibilities listed below is key to the future growth and success of the Laboratory.

The Civil Space (CS) Division markets and manages execution of programs tied to civilian space customers. The CS division consists of four branches, the Space Environment Measurements (SEM) branch, Major Sensor Development (MSD) Branch, Contamination and Materials (C & M) Branch, and Terrestrial and Environmental Measurements (T&EM) Branch. The SEM Branch supports space weather and environments measurements, along with small space sensor environment development. The MSD Branch designs, fabricates and tests large and complex sensors for NOAA and NASA. C & M studies and executes procedures and measurements associated with space craft environment, and the T & EM Branch supports terrestrial weather and planetary environment sensor development and measurements.

The Civil Space Division Director will:

Lead the development and implementation of long range strategies and near term objectives and action plans relative to business growth and project execution for the CS Division.

Develop and enhance relationships with current and potential customers and teaming partners for business development activities and technical support tied specifically to civil space customer segments.

Work with the Business Development function proactively to develop and expand the CS Division customer base and therefore, revenue and work in-flow.

Act as senior liaison with applicable government agencies and offices while still fostering the growth of branch chiefs and program managers within the CS division.

Develop and guide the development and advancement of critical capabilities needed to execute strategies and achieve objectives. This includes mentoring of staff, establishing internal investment priorities for the CS division, and teaming with outside organizations.

Support current customers by resolving operating issues and maintaining appropriate communications within and between various functional areas within the organization.

Direct the execution of programs including, developing, maintaining and implementing program implementation plans, establishing annual operating budgets, staffing plans, marketing plans, and capital expenditures.

Represent the Civil Space programs to SDL Headquarters, by attending all major headquarters management meetings and provide direct informative informal communications as needed.

Supervise the division Branch Chiefs and Program Managers including assuring adequate professional development, time tracking, assignments, annual reviews, personnel actions, and advocacy.

Develop projections and methodologies to assure that there is sufficient PM workforce reserve to cover new programs, and to support proposal efforts to acquire new programs.

Work with the Engineering Division Director to assure balance of workloads for staff and that systems engineering and focused discipline engineering is well integrated into the program management trade space and function.

The Civil Space Division Director will have:

1. Strong leadership skills

2. An extensive background in high reliability and high dollar value program management, including experience as a space mission PI desired. Demonstrated experience in managing programs on time and budget required

3. A technical Master’s degree with 10+ year’s exceptional on-the-job experience or a Ph.D. with 7 years experience. Education and on-the-job experience that includes a strong background in the broader issues of relative to the Civil Space arena is a major plus

4. Programmatic and/or scientific experience and understanding of NASA, NOAA and environmental space based mission programs, objectives and science is desired

5. Ability to lead and grow a technical organization including development of staff, overseeing programs, and developing new program sales

6. Excellent written and verbal communications skills including the ability to listen and comprehend communications from both peers and customers

7. Ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.