Overview

Cognitive Space is seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead integration of advanced AI-enabled mission applications into the Space Development Agency (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

This role is responsible for coordinating technical integration across multiple government and industry partners, including prime integrators and application providers, to deploy autonomy capabilities supporting satellite network scheduling, mission planning, and sensor tasking.

The TPM will serve as a technical integration leader, working closely with engineering, government stakeholders, and partner organizations to ensure that Cognitive Space applications successfully integrate into SDA ground and mission system architectures.

This position requires a strong technical foundation in software-intensive systems and space mission architectures, combined with the ability to navigate complex multi-contractor programs.

Responsibilities

Technical Integration Leadership

• Lead integration of Cognitive Space AI applications into SDA constellation ground and mission systems.
• Coordinate system interfaces across multiple partners including prime integrators, application providers, and government stakeholders.
• Drive definition and resolution of system interfaces, data flows, and integration requirements.
• Lead technical discussions with partner organizations regarding ICDs, system architecture, and integration testing.

Program Execution

• Manage technical program execution including schedules, milestones, and risk management.
• Lead technical interchange meetings and working groups with government and industry partners.
• Align internal engineering roadmaps with external integration timelines and mission requirements.
• Coordinate internal engineering teams to ensure successful delivery and deployment.

Government and Partner Engagement

• Serve as a primary interface with Space Development Agency (SDA) and associated program stakeholders.
• Collaborate with prime contractors and partner organizations to align integration strategies and resolve technical issues.
• Support requirements shaping and technical roadmap development for future program phases.

Engineering Collaboration

• Work closely with internal engineering teams to translate mission requirements into deployable software capabilities.
• Support development of integration strategies for AI-enabled autonomy, mission planning, and network scheduling applications.
• Ensure integration solutions meet operational, performance, and security requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in defense, space, or mission systems programs.
• Experience leading technical integration of complex systems across multiple organizations.
• Background in software-intensive systems, distributed architectures, or mission system applications.
• Experience working with satellite systems, mission planning systems, or command and control architectures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical discussions involving system interfaces, architecture, and integration challenges.
• Experience interacting with government customers in defense or national security programs.
• Active security clearance (or ability to obtain one).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with satellite constellation systems or space mission architectures.
• Familiarity with SDA, Space Force, missile warning, or satellite networking programs.
• Experience integrating AI/ML-enabled applications into operational systems.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps, software deployment pipelines, or mission software environments.
• Experience navigating multi-prime defense programs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate combines technical depth and program leadership and has experience in areas such as:

• satellite constellations and mission systems
• distributed software architectures
• autonomy and AI-enabled mission capabilities
• complex integration across multiple contractors

This role is not a traditional program management position; it requires the ability to engage directly in technical architecture discussions and guide system integration decisions.

Work Environment

Cognitive Space is a small, highly technical team, and this role requires a hands-on approach. The TPM will work directly with engineers and technical leadership to rapidly solve integration challenges and deliver mission capabilities.

Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-moving environment with evolving requirements and minimal program bureaucracy.

Why Join Cognitive Space

Cognitive Space develops advanced AI capabilities enabling autonomous satellite operations and resilient space architectures. Our technology is designed to enhance mission effectiveness across the rapidly evolving space domain.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, space systems, and national security missions.

Benefits

One of the most interesting aspects of working at a startup company is gaining equity, which means our success is your success. In addition to equity in the form of options, we also offer:

• Flexible Time-Off policy and company holidays
• Cost-effective health care, dental, and vision with company contributions
• 401k matching plan with company match
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability

Salary

$160,000 - $205,000

We value job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. That’s why we will determine your actual level and base salary on a case-by-case basis, considering these factors.