Program Director

We are looking for a Program Director to lead our program and project management function in a fast-paced, high-tech, R&D-driven environment. This role combines execution leadership with business ownership, ensuring the successful delivery of complex programs under real-world operational constraints.

You will lead a team of Program and Project Managers and act as a key interface across Sales, Customers, R&D, Product, Engineering, and Operations, driving alignment between customer expectations and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end delivery of multiple complex programs (scope, schedule, quality, customer satisfaction)
• Drive execution rigor through milestones, stage gates, and governance processes
• Ensure predictable, scalable delivery across concurrent programs
• Align program execution with company priorities, roadmap, and resource constraints
• Lead prioritization and trade-offs based on business impact
• Own program financials, including budgeting, cost control, and margin
• Monitor performance and proactively mitigate risks to delivery and revenue
• Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing team of Program and Project Managers
• Build and implement program management frameworks, tools, and governance
• Act as the central coordination point across cross-functional teams
• Resolve escalations and drive timely, data-driven decisions
• Build and manage strong relationships with defense customers
• Lead executive reviews, steering committees, and customer governance forums
• Own recovery plans for at-risk programs
• Drive risk management, resource allocation, and capacity planning
• Ensure strong change management and configuration control
• Support pre-sales activities including planning, costing, and delivery strategy

Requirements:

• Engineering (or equivalent technical) degree
• 10+ years leading complex, multidisciplinary programs in defense / aerospace / similar industries
• Proven experience managing Program/Project Managers
• Strong background in R&D environments (HW/SW, RF, systems integration)
• Experience working with defense customers and structured contracts
• Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Nice to have:

• PMP certification
• Experience in satellite communications / RF systems
• Experience with international customers