Independent Research and Development Program Manager

Job Description

SEAKR® Engineering, LLC (SEAKR) is seeking a proven leader and technical visionary to fulfill the IRAD Manager role. This is a critical growth position within SEAKR. The successful candidate will report directly to the Technical Director.

In this key position, you will provide program management to realize the Technical Director’s roadmaps, architectures, and concepts into efficient IRAD (Independent Research and Development) plans. You will drive the execution of these items through collaboration with cross-functional teams of highly capable space electronics experts. This role is essential for bringing next-generation technologies to SEAKR and to the market.

If you are highly motivated, love challenging yourself, demand excellence, and thrive in a rapid-paced environment managing multiple internally defined programs, this position is for you!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Execution: Manage and oversee SEAKR’s technical IRAD execution efforts to bring technologies, products, and solutions to our engineering, product development, program execution, and production efforts.
• Strategic Collaboration: Collaborate closely with SEAKR’s Technical Director, Portfolio Chief Engineer, and Engineering Fellows to advance the state of practice in space-based electronics, systems, and payload capabilities.
• Compliance & Funding: Execute IRAD projects to cost and schedule given program execution constraints, ensuring clear statements of work and strict compliance with federal funding rulesets.
• Capital Investment Support: Collaborate with SEAKR's VP of Engineering to support capital investments that align with IRAD plans and long-term strategy.
• Standardization: Work with the Program Management Office to ensure consistency and standardization of processes applicable to IRAD initiatives.
• Market Alignment: Help SEAKR win programs in existing and new markets through robust execution of IRADs timed precisely with market needs and customer requirements.
• Issue Escalation: Provide a clear path for internal company customers to escalate technical issues and share challenges regarding technical problems.
• Testing Coordination: Drive radiation testing coordination in collaboration with the Radiation Manager to ensure hardware meets space-grade standards.
• Leadership Reporting: Support SEAKR's Leadership team by providing quarterly reports on Budget, execution metrics, Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and overall IRAD status.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including risk registers, milestone trackers, and technical deliverables.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Adhere to SEAKR rules and regulations as documented in the SEAKR Employee Handbook and applicable operating procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technical Director or Senior Leadership.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Program Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programs from concept to delivery.
• IRAD Expertise: Deep knowledge of all elements of IRAD and technical developments, including foundational technology development, multi-disciplinary systems engineering, and internal relationship management.
• Operations Knowledge: Understanding of company internal operations as they relate to engineering and technology workflows.
• Tool Proficiency: Working knowledge of project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira) and standard office suites (Word, Excel).
• Decision Making: Ability to make decisions in accordance with company policies and practices.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to effectively analyze situations and recommend process improvements.
• Autonomy: Ability to work independently in the identification and coordination of projects.
• Multi-Tasking: Strong ability to organize, prioritize tasks, and multi-task across several concurrent IRAD streams.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences (engineers, executives, stakeholders).
• Resilience: Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to proofread documents and maintain high standards of accuracy.
• Flexibility: Willingness to put in overtime as needed to meet critical milestones.

Education or Formal Training

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline (Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, etc.), or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent project management credential.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in the Aerospace Industry with Advanced Space Products.
• 10+ years of experience working in a small-to-mid-sized business environment where adaptability is key.

Additional Information

Compensation: Base salary range is $130,000-180,000 , depending on qualifications. SEAKR has very rich medical, dental and vision insurance plans, along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for a year-end bonus. SEAKR offers a variety of paid leave, such as vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA. 

SEAKR is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

US Citizenship Required

Applications will be accepted until 5/22/26.

Compensation: 130000 to 180000 (USD) (YEARLY)