New

Senior Section Head

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
United States, New Mexico, Albuquerque
1720 Randolph Road Southeast (Show on map)
Jun 04, 2026
Job ID: 8320 Date Posted: June 3, 2026 Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Senior Section Head to lead the Laboratory's presence in Albuquerque, New Mexico and oversee a portfolio of national security space programs supporting key government partners in our Strategic & Military Space Division. The successful candidate will serve as SDL's senior on-site representative, responsible for strengthening trusted partnerships with Government customers, shaping future opportunities, and ensuring successful execution of SDL programs in the region. This role is well suited for a senior leader with deep experience in the national security space community, such as a former military officer or Government program leader with established relationships across the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, or related organizations. This position blends portfolio leadership, program management, and strategic customer engagement. Approximately 25-50% of the role supports site leadership and customer engagement, while 50-75% involves direct program management responsibilities. The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation's defense capabilities. Key Responsibilities Customer Leadership Serves as SDL's primary representative in Albuquerque, building trusted relationships with key Government stakeholders Maintains regular engagement with customers to ensure SDL delivers mission-relevant solutions and exceptional support Establishes and sustains strong relationships with leadership, contracting, and security organizations Portfolio & Program Management Manages a portfolio of SDL programs and serves as Program Manager on selected efforts, ensuring strong cost, schedule, and technical performance Provides strategic insight to SDL leadership on customer priorities, mission needs, and program performance Site Leadership Leads SDL's Albuquerque team, fostering a strong "One SDL" culture between the field office and headquarters Organizes site engagement activities such as quarterly all-hands meetings and team events Contract and IDIQ Oversight Leads site-related IDIQ contract activities, including oversight of proposals, task orders, contract ceilings, deliverables, and reporting Leverages trusted relationships with Government contracting offices to help resolve issues and remove administrative roadblocks when necessary Strategic Growth Supports business development activities by identifying emerging mission needs and opportunities Develops and maintains a strategic customer roadmap for SDL's Albuquerque presence Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related technical field 5+ years of experience in leading programs Extensive knowledge of the United States Space Force and/or United States Air Force Deep familiarity with the national security space community, particularly organizations such as: Air Force Research Laboratory Space Rapid Capabilities Office Space Systems Command Sandia National Laboratories Experience leading complex Government programs or mission organizations Experience managing programs under DoW IDIQ or task-order contract structures Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with senior Government leaders Strong understanding of DoW acquisition and program execution Demonstrated ability to organize and manage a team, develop program schedules, and manage budgets to meet deadlines and customer expectations Effective written and verbal communication skills Ability to travel when required Must be a U.S. citizen with a current TS/SCI clearance Why Join SDL? SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page* to learn more about what we offer. SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success. At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners. The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly. For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.