Software Development Project Manager

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world. STScI is hiring a Software Development Project Manager to support the Data Management Division ( DMD). Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland.

This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence to meet ITAR requirements.

This position can support a hybrid work schedule from home and onsite. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV) and be able to work on-site when needed.

The annual salary range for this senior level role is $150,00 - $190,000.

Position Overview:

The Data Management Division (DMD) consists of more than 140 staff across 8 branches and is responsible for receiving, processing, calibrating, and distributing data from multiple space telescopes. DMD also manages the archiving of science data within the Barbara A. Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) and provides data products and analysis tools to the astronomical community. These tools, products, and services play a critical role in making astronomical data accessible worldwide while advancing the state of astronomical archives, data systems, and scientific discovery.

The Software Development Project Engineer is responsible for managing and directing the development of medium to large software projects throughout all phases of the project life cycle. They collaborate closely with Division Offices, Mission Offices, other Project Managers, scientists, and technical staff to ensure the successful delivery and ongoing operation of software systems that support various missions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively direct and manage the software development through teams on medium to large scale projects.
• Facilitate communications among project stakeholders.
• Develop system, subsystem, and interface requirements with input from project stakeholders.
• Organize and conduct project reviews, such as Operations Concept Reviews, Trade Study Reviews, System Requirement/Design/Test Plan Reviews
• Support team-led software reviews, such as Software Design/Code/Test Plan Reviews and Operational Readiness Reviews to ensure that system requirements are met.
• Develop, maintain and report on the overall project schedule
• Notify stakeholders about project risks and schedule-related problems as soon as they are apparent
• Participate in the analysis and resolution of operational problems with delivered system.
• Be responsible for keeping technically abreast in systems engineering and project management techniques and tools.
• Provide technical direction and mentoring to less senior staff members.
• Develop and maintain project documents, such as Operations Concepts, Requirement Specifications, Risk Management Plans, System Design Specifications, Interface Control Specifications and System Integration Plans.
• Support systems engineering team meetings, lead studies which will aid the definition and implementation of a systems engineering process at STScI.
  
  
  

Education:

A Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in engineering or a related scientific or technical field is required. An advanced degree is preferred; however, comparable experience may be substituted.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

The role requires 15+ years of hands-on experience in technical software project leadership and management. This includes demonstrated success leading and managing medium to large software systems, working within highly matrixed, multi‑team environments. The candidate must have experience interfacing, coordinating, and effectively communicating with systems engineers, scientists, software engineers, testers, formal verification and validation teams, operations staff, and program management.

• Strong understanding of engineering processes for complex software system development, with the ability to guide and direct that development
• Proficiency with project management tools such as JIRA and MS Project
• Experience with both traditional Project Management and Agile methodologies
• Knowledge of a high-level programming language (e.g., Python, C++, Java)
• Ability to lead technical review processes, including software architecture boards and code reviews
• Experience with virtualization in both cloud and on‑premises environments
• Familiarity with relational database design, structure, and usage
• Ability to conduct objective tradeoff analyses for complex technical issues
• Strong meeting leadership skills
• Ability to quickly learn and understand new technical concepts
• Capacity to maintain a system‑level perspective for medium to large software projects
• Ability to build and sustain professional working relationships internally and externally (including NASA and the broader scientific community)
• Ability to balance performance, cost, schedule, risk, and user needs to determine optimal system solutions
• Ability to decompose large systems into manageable components
• Experience in requirements specification, implementation, and verification for software systems
• Broad knowledge of the full software development life cycle—architecture, design, coding, testing, integration, release, and support
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and make informed technical decisions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including delivering presentations
• Strong organizational, team leadership, and negotiation skills
  
  
  

We offer an excellent and generous benefits package, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules and a stimulating and diverse work environment. Explore our benefits: http://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/benefits

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by April 22, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled. Reference: 0015642

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.