Senior Director, LEO Programs & Space Systems

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 226,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat in Tempe, AZ is seeking a Senior Director, LEO Programs to lead one or more space systems programs from concept through deployment and handover. You will own cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and mission success while building a scalable program execution organization.

This site-based role requires 10+ years in aerospace or space programs, strong leadership, and the ability to align senior leaders across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, Physics, Program Management, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience leading complex aerospace, defense, satellite, spacecraft, or space systems development programs.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional development programs from concept through deployment and operational readiness.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, integration & test, supply chain, quality, and operations.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, contractual deliverables, and customer relationships.
• Experience building and leading program organizations in complex technical environments.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft development, payload development, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration & test, and launch activities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and align senior leaders across multiple organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of one or more LEO satellite, payload, constellation, and space infrastructure programs from concept through deployment and operational handover.
• Serve as the single accountable leader for program cost, schedule, technical performance, contractual commitments, quality, and mission success.
• Build, lead, and scale the LEO Programs organization to support current and future business growth.
• Direct Technical Project Managers, Supplier Delivery Leads, Subsystem Delivery Leads, Program Controls personnel, Configuration Management personnel, and other program execution functions.
• Establish program governance frameworks, execution standards, review processes, reporting structures, and operating rhythms across the organization.
• Drive program performance through the effective use of program metrics, forecasting, earned value management, and operational reviews.
• Lead program recovery activities when required, establishing corrective action plans and driving execution to closure.
• Develop future program leadership talent through coaching, mentorship, succession planning, and organizational development.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Aerospace program management

Cross-functional leadership

Cost/schedule management

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Influence senior leaders

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

Viasat in Tempe, AZ is seeking a Senior Director, LEO Programs to lead one or more space systems programs from concept through deployment and handover. You will own cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and mission success while building a scalable program execution organization.

This site-based role requires 10+ years in aerospace or space programs, strong leadership, and the ability to align senior leaders across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations.