Senior Operations Program Manager with Security Clearance

ViaSat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 150,500 - 237,500; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking an experienced manufacturing program manager to own the complete product lifecycle from development to mass production, coordinating engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.

You will partner with engineering to influence design for manufacturability, drive program execution, and implement a manufacturing test strategy while communicating status, risks, and recovery plans to executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 7+ years in program management, product ops, or engineering.
• Proven track record taking complex tech from development to mass production.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and detail-oriented skills.
• Exceptional communication to influence cross-functional partners.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Direct contract manufacturing experience.
• Must obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete product lifecycle from development through mass production.
• Partner with engineering to influence design for manufacturability, testability, cost, and scalability.
• Drive program execution balancing schedule, quality, and cost.
• Develop and implement a manufacturing test strategy.
• Identify and implement process/hardware improvements for faster, higher-quality NPI introductions.
• Communicate program status, risks, and recovery plans to executives clearly.

Skills

End-to-end program management

Contract manufacturing experience

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About us One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you’ll do

• Own the complete product lifecycle from initial development through mass production, ensuring the readiness of engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Partner with engineering to influence product design, focusing on manufacturability, testability, cost, and scalability.
• Drive program execution, strategically balancing technical details and trade‑offs to meet objectives for schedule, quality, and cost.
• Develop and implement a manufacturing test strategy that satisfies all program requirements.
• Identify and implement process/hardware improvements to boost the speed, quality, and scalability of new product introductions (NPI’s).
• Communicate program status, including risks and recovery plans, to executive leadership clearly and confidently.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in program management, product operations, or engineering (a mix of these is highly preferred).
• Proven track record of successfully taking complex technical products from development into mass production.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills, problem‑solving ability, and high attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to effectively influence and align cross‑functional internal teams and external partners.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, navigate ambiguity, and consistently deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Direct contract manufacturing experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

What will help you on the job

• Master’s degree in engineering or an MBA.
• Direct experience managing contract manufacturers (CMs).
• A deep understanding of supply chain operations, quality systems, and product lifecycle management (PLM).
• Prior leadership experience or a demonstrated ability to grow into a managerial role.
• Active security clearance preferred.

Salary range

Salary range: $150,500.00 – $237,500.00 annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $187,000.00 – $280,000.00 annually. Base pay may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this online application, please click here.