Strategic PMO Director – Aerospace & Defense

SES Space & DEFENSE; Reston, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SES Space & Defense seeks a senior program manager to lead complex, cross-functional programs from design through deployment and operational transition. You will oversee a PMO-centered delivery model, manage multi-year budgets, and ensure alignment with customer commitments across engineering, operations, and contracts.

You will mentor program managers, drive process improvements, and communicate program status to executives while maintaining exceptional financial discipline in a high-stakes,

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive program/project management experience in aerospace/defense or government programs.
• Experience managing multi-year, multi-million-dollar programs with complex requirements and stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen including EVM, forecasting, and margin management.
• Experience leading integrated teams and subcontractors in a matrixed environment across engineering, operations, and finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of complex programs, ensuring on-time delivery, within budget, and aligned to objectives.
• Oversee PMO tools, processes, and governance; mentor program managers and project leads.
• Manage baselines, schedules, budgets, and risk/issue/change management.
• Interface with customers and executives; communicate progress, risks, and changes clearly.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, and contracts.

Skills

Program management

Aerospace/defense domain

Financial acumen

PMO leadership

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/engineering

Master's degree/MBA preferred

Tools

MS Project

Gantt planning

Microsoft 365

SAFe

Job description

SES Space & Defense seeks a senior program manager to lead complex, cross-functional programs from design through deployment and operational transition. You will oversee a PMO-centered delivery model, manage multi-year budgets, and ensure alignment with customer commitments across engineering, operations, and contracts.

You will mentor program managers, drive process improvements, and communicate program status to executives while maintaining exceptional financial discipline in a high-stakes,