SET Development

Technical Project Manager

Washington, DC - Full Time

SET Development is supporting a confidential, venture-backed aerospace company developing first-of-kind space-based solar power systems — designed to deliver continuous baseload energy from orbit to ground, 24/7, across entire continents, without batteries or seasonal constraints. This is an IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE POSITION!

This is an early-stage, high-impact engineering environment. You will own real decisions, work across disciplines, and contribute directly to hardware that will fly.

If you're looking for a highly structured, process-heavy program environment, this will not be a fit. If you want to build something that has never been built before — keep reading.

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THE ROLE

We are seeking a Technical Project Manager to lead complex, cross-functional engineering programs at the intersection of space systems, energy infrastructure, and advanced technology platforms.  This is a Systems-Driven Supply Chain Operator for Space Hardware + PM hybrid role.

This role requires someone who can operate at the system level—not just managing schedules, but driving execution across engineering, product, and operations teams in high-stakes environments.

You will be responsible for ensuring delivery across programs involving hardware, software, and integrated systems, while maintaining alignment with business objectives, technical constraints, and customer expectations.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Execution & Delivery

  • Own end-to-end delivery of complex technical programs (scope, schedule, risk, budget)
  • Drive execution across multidisciplinary teams (systems, software, hardware, operations)
  • Establish and enforce program governance, reporting, and delivery cadence

Technical Coordination

  • Translate between engineering teams and business stakeholders
  • Ensure alignment across system architecture, requirements, and execution plans
  • Identify integration risks across subsystems early and proactively mitigate

Stakeholder Management

  • Interface with senior leadership, customers, and external partners
  • Drive decision-making with clear trade-offs, risks, and recommendations
  • Maintain program transparency with structured reporting and metrics

Risk & Issue Management

  • Identify program risks (technical, schedule, resource)
  • Implement mitigation strategies and escalation frameworks
  • Prevent scope creep and uncontrolled changes

Operational Excellence

  • Build scalable PM processes, tools, and reporting structures
  • Improve execution discipline across engineering and program teams
  • Support long-term program planning and roadmap alignment

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Required Qualifications

  • 7–12+ years in technical program/project management
  • Experience managing complex engineering programs (not just IT/software)
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Systems engineering environments
    • Hardware + software integration
    • Technical development lifecycles
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional engineering teams
  • Experience with program tools (Jira, Smartsheet, MS Project, etc.)
  • Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills

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Preferred Qualifications

  • Background in:
    • Aerospace / space systems
    • Energy systems / infrastructure
    • Defense or high-reliability engineering environments
  • Familiarity with:
    • Systems engineering frameworks (INCOSE-style thinking)
    • Agile + waterfall hybrid environments
  • CPM, CPSM, or equivalent
  • PMP or equivalent certification (not required, but useful)

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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

- Competitive Base Salary
- Relocation Assistance available 
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Disability and life insurance
- Competitive paid time off
- 401(k) with employer matching

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ITAR / EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENT

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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ABOUT SET DEVELOPMENT

SET Development is a premier aerospace consulting firm providing highly specialized engineering talent across space, defense, and advanced technology programs. Our team supports some of the most complex and impactful missions in the industry.

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HOW TO APPLY

Apply directly through this posting or reach out to SET Development for a confidential conversation about the role and client organization.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SET Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected status. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, even if you do not meet every listed qualification.

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