Program Director, Secure Intelligence Systems & Networks

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

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