Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides engineering services and analytic support to the Air Force, Space Force, Combatant Commands, the Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes systems engineering and integration, test planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging, high priority National Defense needs, and assessing and developing cutting-edge technologies and capabilities to meet those needs.

SPA has a near-term need for a Software Product Manager.

As Software Product Manager at SPA, you will be assigned to support the US Space Force's Space Systems Command, Operational Command and Control Acquisition Delta, known as Kobayashi Maru. Kobayashi Maru is responsible for continuously delivering impactful software for space operations. The program office's mission includes the development and deployment of software for space defense, space domain awareness, and enabling data services.

You will be assigned a Product Manager for one or more of our high-functioning, flat, balanced product teams - wherein, you will work in concert with software engineers and product designers. You will leverage your deep knowledge of the software development life cycle, as well as the concepts of Extreme Programming and Lean User-Centered Design to guide the rapid delivery of software capabilities to operations. You will be expected to masterfully blend and navigate the requirements of the Department of Defense's Software Acquisition Pathway and industry Best Practices in Agile software development/product management. Your division of responsibilities will reflect 90% Product Manager, 10% Software Architect. You will be expected to work collaboratively with and empower your team, while balancing the goals, objectives, and deadlines set by the Government's Chief of Product.

As Software Product Manager, you will balance user needs, organizational outcomes, and technical feasibility to build and deliver value, via software, quickly - while considering the big picture. You will lead daily stand up, write user stories, orchestrate user interviews, collect user feedback, lead sprint/iteration planning, lead duration planning, set sprint priorities, facilitate retrospectives, groom the product backlog, validate technical delivery against acceptance criteria and the definition of done, facilitate meetings/workshops, build/maintain product roadmap, define and track performance metrics, unblock and re-risk the product, and keep all stakeholders informed of progress. You will be expected to collaborate effectively with toolchain, infrastructure, platform, cyber, test, and data counterparts to ensure a smooth path to production.

This is a hybrid position. Due to the fast-paced nature of the role and the persistent need to access secure networks, you can expect to work on-site at least 3 days per week. You should reside within comfortable driving distance of El Segundo, CA, Lompoc, CA, or San Diego, CA.

Required Qualifications:

US Citizen and possession of an active Secret clearance
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience as product manager for mid to large size software projects
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Human Factors, Computer Science, or relevant STEM from an accredited institution
• Relevant Agile certification (e.g., SCRUM, SAFe, PMI-ACP, ACP, etc.)
• Your resume must demonstrate experience:
  • Successfully delivering software products in a fast-paced, Agile environment
  • Effectively collaborating with software designers, engineers, and other stakeholders
  • Ability to break down complex products into small, measurable components to inform user stories and backlog prioritization
  • Ability to conduct user research and translate feedback into actions
  • Leading and thinking strategically, with the ability to motivate others
  • Effectively juggling multiple demanding priorities and consistently delivering on commitments
  • Gathering and redefining product requirements into a practical roadmap
  • Owning the software from initial idea to successful adoption
  • Communicating technical information to others in its simplest form through presentations, demonstrations, written communication, and consultation
  • Familiarity with frontend and backend software development, wireframing and prototypes, DevOps, and cloud infrastructure

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. California Pay Transparency Range: 140k - 194k