Program Director, Intelligence Systems, Secure Comms

Ladders; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 241,000 - 319,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Comprehensive benefits

Employee development

Job summary

Ladders is seeking a Program Director, Intelligence Systems, Secure Communications to lead architecture, design, and delivery of distributed network systems for high-risk environments in aerospace and defense. The role sits at the intersection of technical strategy, engineering execution, and customer-facing leadership, focusing on secure, resilient, and field-ready systems.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and external stakeholders to move advanced capabilities from

Qualifications

• 15+ years in network systems engineering with leadership experience.
• Expertise in network system design across software, electrical, and mechanical domains.
• Proven track record of developing complex integrated network systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum Secret Security Clearance required; TS/SCI preferred.
• Excellent communication skills for diverse technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Own and define the architecture and design for distributed network systems.
• Ensure system integrity, reliability, and security under high-risk environments.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable technical requirements.
• Act as the primary technical interface with stakeholders and customers.
• Drive rapid prototyping, fielding, and production of network systems.

Skills

Network systems engineering

Leadership experience

Multidisciplinary design

Strategic technical communication

Mentoring teams

Security clearance (Secret)

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Program Director, Intelligence Systems, Secure Comms to join the team of a leader in the Aerospace & Defense space.

This leader will guide the architecture, design, and delivery of distributed network systems that must perform reliably in high-risk environments. The role sits at the intersection of technical strategy, engineering execution, and customer-facing leadership, with a focus on translating mission objectives into systems that are secure, resilient, and field-ready. You will partner closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and external stakeholders to move advanced capabilities from concept through prototyping, deployment, and production.

Location: Reston, VA

Compensation: $241,000 – $319,000 annually

Responsibilities

• Own and define the architecture and design for distributed network systems
• Ensure system integrity, reliability, and security under high-risk environments
• Provide leadership and mentorship to multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable technical requirements
• Act as the primary technical interface with stakeholders and customers
• Drive rapid prototyping, fielding, and production of network systems

Qualifications

• 15+ years in network systems engineering with leadership experience
• Expertise in network system design across software, electrical, and mechanical domains
• Proven track record of developing complex integrated network systems
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience mentoring teams
• Strong problem solving ability for ambiguous technical challenges
• Excellent communication skills for diverse technical audiences
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred
• Minimum Secret Security Clearance required; TS/SCI preferred

Benefits

• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package at low cost to employees
• Support for health, recovery, and future planning
• Equity grants included in compensation package
• Investment in employee development and support

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.