Director of Space Programs

Eoptic, Inc.; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Eoptic, Inc. in Rochester, NY, is seeking a Director of Space Programs to lead end-to-end space program execution and drive strategy for the space business unit.

This senior leader will manage customer interfaces, collaborate with engineering and operations, and align program outcomes with price, schedule, and performance goals. The role requires extensive program management experience in space or advanced tech, strong leadership, and the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of technical PM experience in space-related or advanced technology programs.
• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary programs from capture through execution.
• Experience leading proposal teams and contract negotiations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of multiple space programs with cost, schedule, and risk management.
• Oversee proposal development, SOWs, specs, schedules, and financial terms.
• Ensure timely start and completion of program tasks to meet objectives.
• Conduct regular program reviews and use EVMS where applicable.
• Implement proactive risk and issue management processes.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Strategic planning

EVMS experience

Customer engagement

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Science/Business

Job description

Would you like to lead the programs and partnerships that turn advanced optical technologies into deployed space systems?Eopticis building the next generation of space imaging and optical systems, andwe’relooking for a leader to help bring them to market. AsEopticexpands its presence in the space domain, we are seeking a Director of Space Programs to lead the way.

Job Summary

AtEoptic, we createcutting-edgeimaging and optical systems that enable mission-critical capabilities in the space domain. We are seeking a Director of Space Programs to playa central rolein executing and scalingEoptic’sspace business unit. This senior, customer-facing leader will shape end-to-end space program execution, operationalizeEoptic’sspace system strategy, and drive technical and business leadership with commercial, civil, and governmental partners.

TheDirector of Space Programsis responsible foroverseeing all phases of space-related programs and projects, from capture and contract award through execution and delivery, while ensuring cost, schedule, performance, and customer satisfaction. This role combines hands-on program leadership with strategic oversight, aligning near-and mid-term program execution with long-term product and market strategy.

Key Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of multiple space programs, managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk using core program management principles.
• Oversee all phases of programs, including proposal development, statements of work, specifications, schedules, and financial terms and conditions.
• Control thetimelystart and completion of program tasks to ensure fulfillment of technical, cost, and scheduleobjectives.
• Conduct regular program reviews, evaluating current and projected performance against approved plans, including the use of Earned Value Management where applicable.
• Implement proactive risk and issue management processes, ensuring regular identification, mitigation planning, action tracking, and closure.

Strategy & Business Growth

• Define, prioritize, and implement space program strategies aligned with executive leadership direction, space business goals, and corporateobjectives.
• Lead space program capture and execution planning, including strategic business forecasts and value stream mapping (near- and mid-term).
• Establish an objective roadmap for growing new business opportunities from existing programs and strengtheningproduct-marketfit across the space portfolio.
• Unify competing organizational demands to ensure a coherent space investment strategy and development roadmap across evolving product and business lifecycles.

Customer, Partner & External Engagement

• Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned space programs,representingEopticfrom contract award through full execution.
• Develop and implement effective customer communication plans torepresentthe Voice of the Customer, manage expectations, and drive high customer satisfaction.
• Build, manage, andmaintainstrong relationships withkeycustomers, partners, and suppliers.
• RepresentEopticexternally at industry events, trade shows, customer meetings, and partner engagements.

Operational & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate program activities across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and other support functions to ensure effective resourceutilization.
• Provide strategic oversight of subcontractors and suppliers to ensure alignment with programobjectivesand delivery commitments.
• Be embedded with program teams to provide guidance, enabletimelybusiness decisions, and maximize execution effectiveness.
• Forecast financial performance and support profitabilityobjectivesacross the space portfolio.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Engineering, Science, or Business).
• 10+ years of experience in technical project or program management, preferably within space-related or advanced technology programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary programs from capture through execution.
• Experience leading proposal teams, supporting contract negotiations, and managing program business plans.
• Experience with Earned Value Management or similar performance management frameworks.
• Ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance.
• This position requires access to technology, materials, software, or hardware controlled by U.S. export laws. Candidates must be a U.S. Person under U.S. export laws (or eligible for approval under a U.S. Government export license).
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance.
• Strong knowledge of space program management standards, practices, and operating procedures.
• Experience managing $1M+ space-related development or production programs.
• Demonstrated ability to apply disciplined, standards-based program management practices to complex, cross-functional initiatives.

About Us

Eopticis a leader in advanced imaging and optical systems, delivering multispectral and digital solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. Based in Rochester, NY,Eopticintegratescutting-edgeoptical technologies to address today’s most complex challenges, from design to full-scale deployment. For more information, visit www.eoptic.com .

Eopticis an equalopportunityemployer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

*The description provided above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change over time and according to business needs.