Director, Operations

General Atomics; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 304,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics seeks a Director, Operations to lead the planning, execution, and technical performance of strategically significant programs. You will oversee programs from concept through delivery, ensuring objectives in technical performance, quality, schedule, and budget are met.

You will work with executive leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams, guiding multiple products or components and applying new technologies or delivery methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in engineering, science, business, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of progressively complex program administration or management experience, incl. 9+ years leading programs.
• Extensive knowledge of program management principles, practices, and processes.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate complex workloads to deadlines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of assigned programs from conceptualization through delivery.
• Establish and manage program objectives related to performance, quality, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop program plans for complex initiatives involving multiple products and stakeholders.
• Partner with executive management to set current and long-term objectives and strategies.
• Communicate program status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Lead or influence preparation of proposals, budgets, and contract terms.
• Support contract acquisition, negotiations, modifications, and execution.
• Build, lead, and develop high-performing management, professional, and technical teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Presentation

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree (engineering/science/business)

Master’s degree (engineering/science/business)

Doctoral degree (engineering/science/business)

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics is seeking a Director, Operations to lead the planning, execution, and technical performance of one or more strategically significant programs. This role oversees programs from concept development through delivery and is responsible for achieving technical, quality, schedule, customer, business, and financial objectives.

The Director, Operations works closely with executive leadership, customers, government representatives, and cross-functional teams. The position provides leadership across multiple products or components and may oversee developing programs that apply new technologies, processes, or delivery methods. Success in this role requires strong program leadership, sound business judgment, and the ability to lead through subordinate managers and diverse technical teams.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all phases of assigned programs, from conceptualization and acquisition through planning, execution, integration, and delivery.
• Establish and manage program objectives related to technical performance, quality, cost, schedule, business performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop program plans and delivery approaches for complex initiatives involving multiple products, components, customers, and stakeholders.
• Partner with executive management to establish current-year, annual, and long‑term program objectives and strategies.
• Contribute to the development of Group and Company objectives with multiyear business and technical implications.
• Direct the development of design concepts, technical criteria, and engineering activities supporting product research, development, testing, and integration.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for significant program matters and communicate program status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Lead or influence the preparation of proposals, business plans, statements of work, specifications, operating budgets, and contract terms and conditions.
• Support contract acquisition, negotiations, modifications, and execution.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for program activities and lead program reviews addressing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk.
• Identify program issues and lead the development and implementation of corrective actions, including resource reallocation and contract or requirements modifications when appropriate.
• Build, lead, and develop high-performing management, professional, and technical teams.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, selection, retention, succession planning, and employee development.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and expansion opportunities within existing programs.
• Partner with Group leadership to evaluate business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that may expand organizational capabilities or create new products and programs.
• Protect proprietary technology and maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive company, customer, and program information.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in engineering, science, business, or a related technical field.
• Fifteen or more years of progressively complex program administration or program management experience, including at least nine years managing programs or major program elements.
• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Extensive knowledge of program management principles, practices, and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate complex workloads to meet established deadlines and milestones.
• Experience developing and implementing solutions to complex problems requiring ingenuity, creativity, and sound judgment.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with and influence employees at all levels, including technical professionals, support staff, senior leaders, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Ability to make informed decisions in situations where errors could result in significant expenditures of time, resources, or funding.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex, fast‑paced, and highly collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading programs involving multiple products, technical disciplines, customers, or locations.
• Experience supporting proposal development, contract negotiations, business planning, or strategic growth initiatives.
• Experience working with government customers or within the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology industries.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 173,500 - 304,000