Configuration Data Management Lead

As a Configuration Data Management Lead, you will serve as a senior individual contributor and subject matter expert, leading Configuration Data Management (CDM) activities for complex programs and products. You will shape CDM strategy from program inception through lifecycle execution, applying independent judgment to solve complex problems, influence cross-functional teams, and ensure CDM objectives are embedded in business and program outcomes. You will be a trusted advisor, thought leader, and key representative for CDM across the organization.

The day-to-day

• Lead Configuration Data Management planning for new and existing programs, including creation of Configuration Data Management Plans (CDMPs).
• Derive and interpret Configuration Management and Data Management requirements from Statements of Work (SOWs), Purchase Orders (POs), Request for Proposals (RFPs), program specifications, and other management plans.
• Define and document CDM planning tasks early in the program lifecycle and drive collaboration across engineering, quality, supply chain, operations, and program management.
• Identify and reduce Cost of Poor CDM and waste through cross-functional collaboration and process improvements.
• Apply and support all core Configuration Management principles:
• Configuration Management Planning
• Configuration Identification
• Configuration Change Management
• Configuration Status Accounting
• Configuration Verification and Audits
• Guide program teams on change classification, interchangeability, change effectivity, and material disposition.
• Participate in, contribute to, and may approve critical design milestones and configuration reviews.
• Serve as a customer-facing point of contact for Data Management (DM), defining DM requirements and processes for new programs.
• Support proposal activities by reviewing SOWs and RFPs and preparing Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for CDM support.
• Utilize and optimize PLM tools and analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau) to support decision-making and process effectiveness.
• Support and lead process improvement initiatives, tool enhancements, and training efforts.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior CDM personnel, including training on advanced tools and critical processes.
• Represent the CDM Manager in internal meetings and, as needed, in meetings with customers, suppliers, and auditors.

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in Configuration Management and Data Management supporting complex products or programs.
• Proficient, direct experience across all CDM core principles and lifecycle activities.
• Strong understanding of change classification, interchangeability, and configuration effectiveness.
• Direct experience applying industry standards, including EIA-649, and company CDM processes.
• Comprehensive understanding of Data Management concepts and requirements.
• Demonstrated experience deriving CM and DM requirements from contractual documents (SOWs, POs, RFPs).
• Expert-level experience with PLM tools and strong working knowledge of analytics platforms.
• Ability to independently coordinate complex processes and make sound judgments in ambiguous situations.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, resolve conflicts, and prioritize work across competing demands.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide clarity in highly technical, high-visibility, and ambiguous situations.
• U.S. Citizenship required. Must have an active U.S. Security Clearance.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.

What will help you on the job

• Certification in CMII or CMPIC.
• Comprehensive, practical experience applying EIA-649 across multiple programs or business areas.
• Experience supporting both government and commercial programs.
• Demonstrated success as a solution provider for complex or novel CDM challenges.
• Established credibility as a collaborative partner who can rally cross-functional teams to enable risk-based product decisions.
• Experience developing or supporting Configuration Management training to address process gaps or business needs.
• Strong mentoring mindset with a passion for developing junior CDM talent.
• Reputation as a trusted subject matter expert and positive contributor to problem-solving efforts across the organization.

$99,500.00 - $157,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $123,500.00- $185,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits. EEO Statement

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.