Director, Space Programs & Delivery

Trident Systems; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 262,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Holidays

Annual Bonus Incentive

Leaves

Job summary

Trident Systems in Sterling, VA is seeking a Director of Programs to lead execution of space electronics programs from development through production. You will own program performance across cost, schedule, and risk, and serve as the primary customer interface while partnering with a Lead Systems Engineer.

The role requires 15+ years of relevant experience, a PMP or the ability to obtain within 6 months, and a track record in government programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience/combined education) and 15+ years (or Master's and 13+) of relevant experience.
• Experience managing space or aerospace-related programs, ideally involving electronic systems or hardware development.
• Proven success managing government programs (FAR-based contracts, multiple CLINs).
• Strong background in program financials, planning, and execution.
• Experience leading product development programs (design prototype production).
• Working knowledge of government contract types.
• PMP certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Responsibilities

• Lead one or more space flight programs, ensuring successful execution.
• Drive program performance to meet commitments, including ownership of cost, schedule, and risk management.
• Develop and maintain an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) with critical path, milestones, and resource loading.
• Establish and manage labor and non-labor resource plans; forecast staffing needs.
• Identify engineering resource needs (skills, numbers, timing) to support execution.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Finance.
• Drive subcontractor performance and accountability to meet commitments.
• Set expectations and align SEIT and broader engineering teams.
• Maintain risk and opportunity matrix with burn-down, mitigation, and tracking.
• Serve as primary customer interface; ensure strong communication and satisfaction.
• Oversee program financials, forecasting, and reporting.
• Support proposals and contribute to program growth opportunities.
• Mentor and develop other Program Managers within the PMO.

Skills

Program management

Space/aerospace programs

Financial planning

Cross-functional leadership

Customer interface

Mentoring

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Trident Systems in Sterling, VA is seeking a Director of Programs to lead execution of space electronics programs from development through production. You will own program performance across cost, schedule, and risk, and serve as the primary customer interface while partnering with a Lead Systems Engineer.

The role requires 15+ years of relevant experience, a PMP or the ability to obtain within 6 months, and a track record in government programs.