Director International Programs & Commercialization

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 208,000 - 241,000; Full time

Job summary

Epirus in Torrance, CA seeks a Director of International Programs & Commercialization to establish scalable processes and lead global program operations and sales delivery for advanced-point defense systems. The role partners with BD, Growth and Execution teams on proposals, customer acquisition, and fielding of systems to allied countries.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in commercial products, program management, and international partners/government engagement, with ability to travel

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience managing complex international programs in advanced‑technology sectors.
• Demonstrated success leading customer facing programs involving multinational partner networks.
• Hands‑on experience coordinating field demonstrations, test events, or technology showcase activities in international or operational settings.
• Strong understanding of defense procurement pathways, direct commercial sales, export controls (ITAR/EAR), and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills across culturally diverse and highly technical environments.
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically, as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross functional team across the full lifecycle of international & commercial sales programs, including scope and contract requirements flow down, planning, budgeting, execution and sustainment.
• Forecasting, monitoring and achieving financial milestones and schedule performance objectives.
• Primary interface between customers and internal execution teams, acting as the voice-of-customer (VOC).
• Develop and implement scalable programmatic best practices, risk management and associated workflows for international contracts.
• Partner with business development and growth teams on capture opportunities and partnerships, non-DoD.
• Monitor geopolitical conditions and regulatory constraints that influence program success and risk mitigation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Mgt, or related fields.

Job description

Job Title: Director International Programs & Commercialization

Location: Torrance, CA (in-office)
Reports To: Head of Program Management Operations (PMO)

Position Overview

The Director of International Programs & Commercialization will establish and implement scalable internal processes and best practices that ensure compliant and efficient global program operations and commercial sales delivery workflows. This role partners closely with Epirus Business Development (BD), Growth, and Execution teams on proposals, supports customer acquisition, and leads system delivery planning, training, and operational fielding of Critical Point Defense-High Power Microwave systems to allied countries. They will have full ownership for the successful execution and delivery of Epirus systems and services to customers. The ideal candidate has deep experience in commercial products, program management, and international partners and government engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross functional team across the full lifecycle of international & commercial sales programs, including scope and contract requirements flow down, planning, budgeting, execution and sustainment.
• Responsible for forecasting, monitoring and achieving financial milestones and schedule performance objectives.
• Serve as the primary interface between customers and internal execution teams, acting as the voice-of-customer (VOC).
• Develop and implement scalable, standardized programmatic best practices, risk management and associated workflows for international contracts.
• Partner with business development and growth teams on capture opportunities and partnerships, non-DoD.
• Monitor geopolitical conditions, and regulatory constraints that influence program success and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure all international activities adhere to ITAR/EAR restrictions, provisos and customer terms and conditions.
• Work with Growth and Sales teams regarding direct to market sales of commercial products, ensuring full execution success from order, through manufacturing and delivery.
• Coordinate demonstration events, field trials, technology evaluations and showcase engagements for both international and domestic customers.
• Oversee planning, logistics, and resourcing for annual demonstration events.
• Prepare concise program reporting, performance dashboards, and executive-level briefings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Mgt, or related fields.
• 8–12+ years of experience managing complex international programs in advanced‑technology sectors.
• Demonstrated success leading customer facing programs involving multinational partner networks.
• Hands‑on experience coordinating field demonstrations, test events, or technology showcase activities in international or operational settings.
• Strong understanding of defense procurement pathways, direct commercial sales, export controls (ITAR/EAR), and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills across culturally diverse and highly technical environments.
• Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables for complex technical programs.
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically, as required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strategic thought leadership in global defense markets
• Program and Risk management best practices
• International and government customer communication
• Operational planning and demonstration
• Executive reporting and stakeholder engagement

As required by the Equal Pay Transparency Act, Epirus provides a reasonable range of minimum compensation for roles that may be hired. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.

For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is:

$208,000 — $241,000 USD