Deputy Program Manager

This position supports the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Safety and Mission Assurance Services (SMAS), which provides critical support to the GSFC Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Directorate. Goddard's SMA Directorate supports GSFC projects by developing safety and mission assurance requirements and performing independent surveillance, audits, reviews, and assessments of design, development, testing, and mission operations activities, both on-site at GSFC and at supplier facilities. Our team delivers independent oversight that helps ensure the safety, reliability, and success of NASA missions from early design through launch and operations.

Position Summary

The Deputy Program Manager supports the overall management, technical execution, and operational performance of the SMAS contract. This role provides leadership across functional engineering units and assists the Program Manager in ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, workforce performance, and continuous process improvement. The Deputy Program Manager plays a key role in coordinating complex projects, managing technical staff, mitigating risk, and ensuring contract objectives are met on schedule and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct management and leadership for one or more functional engineering units (e.g., Reliability, Quality, Systems, Software).
• Support the Program Manager in planning, organizing, directing, and controlling program and project activities across the contract.
• Establish methods, procedures, and performance metrics to achieve program goals and objectives, operating with guidance aligned to broad strategic direction.
• Oversee independent surveillance, audits, reviews, and assessments to ensure compliance with NASA, GSFC, and contractual requirements.
• Direct technical organizations to ensure progress toward objectives within defined cost, schedule, and performance parameters.
• Design and conduct program and project evaluations of unit activities, processes, and outcomes.
• Establish and maintain systems for monitoring performance, quality, and results achieved.
• Identify, plan, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and mission assurance effectiveness.
• Organize project and task workloads, selecting personnel best qualified for specific assignments.
• Assist in the coordination and integration of multiple projects or programs, including complex scheduling and logistics planning.
• Evaluate risks, benefits, and impacts of decisions and take proactive action to mitigate potential issues.
• Effectively resolve complex technical, operational, and personnel-related challenges.
• Manage employees directly or through supervisors and technical leads, including performance management and professional development.

Required Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a major science discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Physics).
• Master's degree in Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant technical experience.
• Demonstrated progressive management experience, including leadership of engineering or technical teams.

Special Requirements

• STEP Level 1 training (minimum) required.
• Ability to work on-site at NASA GSFC.

ARES Benefits:

ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA/FSA Accounts
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• ESOP
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off & Holidays

ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 601.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).