Senior Program Director, Space and Mission Systems

About us

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.

What you'll do

Viasat combines experienced leadership, advanced technology, operational agility, and a strong culture of innovation to address the world's most complex communications challenges. Through bold and differentiated business models, we leverage commercial technologies to rapidly deliver transformative Warfighter operational capabilities and continuously evolve those solutions to maintain advantage against emerging adversary threats.

We employ a customer‑centric approach to address complex challenges through innovative, scalable solutions delivered on accelerated timelines. Viasat's Government Space and Mission Systems business area supports a diverse portfolio that includes RF and optical communications, advanced sensing payloads, and fully integrated space missions.

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.

What you'll need

• 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.

Salary range

$212,500.00 - $335,500.00 / 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 $264,000.00- $396,000.00/ 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

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.