Director of Programs

Karman Space & Defense; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

Short‑ and long‑term disability

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Director of Programs to lead a division of IPTs, ensuring successful execution of complex aerospace programs in the U.S. DoD‑related ecosystem. You will drive cost, schedule, and technical performance while guiding leadership and cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates have a BS in engineering, 10+ years in space/defense, and a proven record of managing multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar programs with prime contractors and DoD customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 10 years in space/defense industry.
• Proven ability to lead programs valued at $100M+ and manage division-level teams.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees division program execution to meet cost, schedule, and technical goals.
• Provides strategic, technical, and business leadership across IPTs.
• Monitors performance and implements corrective actions to ensure successful contracts.
• Manages resource allocation to support the division’s portfolio and growth.
• Leads workforce planning, performance management, and staff development.
• Builds a high-performing, collaborative environment to maximize productivity and engagement.
• Drives customer engagement and business development initiatives to grow the program portfolio.

Skills

Program leadership

Program management

Customer relationships

Defense space industry experience

Security clearance awareness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Master of Science in Engineering

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As the Director of Programs, you will provide strategic leadership for a division of Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), ensuring successful execution of complex programs while driving operational excellence, workforce development, customer satisfaction, and business growth. Working closely with technical and business leaders, you will guide program performance across cost, schedule, and technical objectives while helping shape enterprise capabilities that support long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees division program execution to achieve cost, schedule, and technical performance objectives.
• Provides strategic, technical, and business leadership across division programs and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
• Monitors program performance and implements corrective actions to maintain successful contract execution.
• Maintains accountability for the financial, schedule, and technical performance of the division and its programs.
• Plans, justifies, and allocates resources required to support the division’s contract portfolio.
• Leads workforce planning, performance management, employee development, and organizational capability growth.
• Fosters a high-performing, collaborative work environment that supports employee engagement, productivity, and effective staff utilization.
• Drives business growth through customer engagement, business development activities, and strategic initiatives.
• Oversees the development and approval of compliant, competitive, and financially sound proposals.
• Partners with enterprise leaders and cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives, operational improvements, and integrated customer solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the space and defense industry.
• Proven ability to lead, plan, and execute programs valued at $100 million or greater.
• Demonstrated success in division leadership or large-team leadership roles.
• Experience managing customer relationships with prime contractors and U.S. government agencies.
• Familiarity with global supply chain operations.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Engineering or a related technical field.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Salary Range

$185,000 - $200,000 USD

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

View our Privacy Policy