Program Director, Space

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead strategic programs within their Space Segment business. The ideal candidate will oversee customer relationships and program execution, ensuring exceptional performance and driving commercial success.

This role requires strong aerospace experience, leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in managing complex, high-stakes programs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Program Director or senior program leader in aerospace, defense, or space industries.
• Demonstrated success managing complex mechanical, electro-mechanical, or energetics programs.
• Experience leading customer-facing programs with high visibility and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end program performance, including cost, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex aerospace and space programs successfully.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Leadership skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Program Director to lead strategic programs within our Space Segment business. This individual will own both customer relationships and program execution, ensuring exceptional delivery performance while driving commercial success. The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace experience, strong leadership capability, and a track record of managing complex, high‑stakes programs with discipline and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end program performance, including cost, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to deliver complex aerospace and space programs successfully.
• Drive program execution discipline, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with business leaders to support growth, profitability, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure alignment between customer expectations and internal execution capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience as a Program Director or senior program leader in aerospace, defense, or space industries.
• Demonstrated success managing complex mechanical, electro‑mechanical, or energetics programs.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance customer needs and business outcomes.
• Experience leading customer‑facing programs with high visibility and accountability.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Location

EBAD is headquartered in Simsbury, CT with facilities in Moorpark, CA and Graham, KY.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.