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# Senior Program Director, Space and Mission Systems

- **Company:** Viasat, Inc.
- **Location:** Tempe, AZ, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $212,500.0 - $335,500.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Requirements Management
- **Published:** September 16, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18335466?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18335466%2FSenior-Program-Director-Space-Mission-Systems-Arizona-Tempe

## About the Role

* 10+ years of demonstrated success in leading complex space systems programs across the full lifecycle, from concept development through deployment and operations.
 * 5+ years of leadership experience building and managing large, cross functional teams.
 * Experience managing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk EVM and risk and opportunity management.
 * Proven ability to work independently to define and resolve complex problems, anticipate future program needs, and establish meaningful metrics to measure success.
 * Experience in managing government contracts and customer relationships.
 * Experience in managing supplier relationships throughout the subcontract management lifecycle.
 * Exceptional communication and executive briefing skills with the ability to engage senior government, customer, and corporate leadership.
 * Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical discipline.
 * U.S. citizenship and willingness to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

What will help you on the job

 * Active U.S. Government security clearance, with SSBI/SCI eligibility.
 * Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
 * Master's degree in relevant engineering, science, or business discipline.
 * Strong financial acumen, including budget management, forecasting, and program profitability.
 * Ability to contribute as a thought leader in strategic development and process improvement.
 * Experience with systems engineering processes, requirements management, integration and test, and mission assurance.
 * Experience supporting fully integrated space mission development programs, including space vehicle, ground segment, and operations.
 * Ability to mentor, supporting the development of others and the resolution of complex challenges.

## Description

As a Program Director, you will lead multiple, concurrent initiatives to develop and deliver state-of-the-art satellite communication solutions for space vehicles at all orbit regimes. The ideal candidate will build and maintain strong customer relationships, lead complex development efforts, ensure successful program execution through disciplined cost, schedule, and risk management, drive proposal activities, and champion continuous improvement.
The day-to-day

The Program Director will lead a highly capable, cross functional team responsible for the development, manufacture, deployment, and operations of advanced satellite systems for both space and ground segments. In this role, you will:

 * Provide program direction and oversight of subcontractor procurement and performance to ensure alignment with program technical, schedule, and financial objectives.
 * Apply earned value management (EVM) and risk management disciplines to effectively plan, monitor, and control program cost, schedule, and performance.
 * Collaborate with functional and matrixed leadership to ensure timely and appropriate allocation of personnel and resources in support of program execution.
 * Build and maintain customer relationships.
 * Provide accurate, timely program execution, financial status, and risk reporting to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
 * Support capture and business development activities by contributing to business model and capability roadmap development and leading all aspects of proposal development, including strategy, cost estimation, and program execution content.